What happens when the focal length is shorter?

When the focal length of a lens is shorter, it allows for a wider angle of view. This means that more of the scene can be captured in the photograph or image, which is particularly useful for landscape photography, architecture, or any situation where you want to include a broad expanse of a scene. A shorter focal length increases the coverage area of the lens, thus giving an expansive perspective.

To provide additional context, a longer focal length would result in a narrower angle of view and magnification of distant subjects, making them appear closer. A shorter focal length does not reduce the area captured nor does it inherently increase magnification, as that is a characteristic associated with longer focal lengths. Therefore, the key feature of a shorter focal length is its widening effect on the angle of view.