In optical physics, understanding how lenses work, particularly spherical lenses, is crucial. The lens formula is formally defined as \( \frac{1}{v} - \frac{1}{u} = \frac{1}{f} \), where \( v \) is the image distance, \( u \) is the object distance, and \( f \) is the focal length of the lens. This formula helps determine the position and characteristics of an image formed by the lens. Additionally, magnification (\( m \)) is discussed, defined as the ratio of the height of the image (\( h' \)) to the height of the object (\( h \)), expressed mathematically as \( m = \frac{h'}{h} = \frac{v}{u} \). Whether the image is virtual or real, upright or inverted, depends on the position of the object relative to the focal point of the lens.