What occurs when the object-to-image distance increases?

When the object-to-image distance increases, the magnification of the image tends to increase. This is because magnification is a function of the distance between the object being imaged and the detector or image receptor. As the distance between the object and the imaging plane increases, the endpoint where the light rays converge to form an image also shifts, resulting in a larger representation of the object on the imaging plane.

In practical terms, when an object is further away from the imaging device, the angles at which light rays converge provide a larger view of the object itself, which translates to higher magnification. This effect can be particularly important in fields such as radiography or microscopy, where details of the object need to be represented clearly and possibly enlarged for better visibility or analysis.

It's key to note that while increasing the object-to-image distance may enhance magnification, it typically has other effects on image quality, including potential degradation of resolution and changes in exposure, but those factors are not the focus here.