Reflection or refraction?

[John Connor]

So this has been bugging me. I look at the kitchen window or patio door window and I can see objects reflected or refracted? that are not in a view that would seem normal for the window to pick up. The object that is being reflected or refracted is perpendicular to the window. It just seems so weird that I can still see the object from that angle. It is as if the window is like a prism or something. What is this called. Reflection or refraction?

 

[IronWing]

If the objects are on the same side of the glass as you, then it is reflection. If the objects are on the other side of the glass then it is usually refraction. Could you post an MS Paint diagram?

 

[John Connor]

Could you post an MS Paint diagram?

 

[IronWing]

Where is your eye in the diagram?

 

[JordanMihailov]

I think reflection is when the ray of light for example doesn't pass through the object as the the refraction is the opposite🙂

 

[William Gaatjes]

From the top of my head, it is usually, a combination of both. There is no hard line when having a window.
Also, a window can have a coating, then you have different materials with different refraction indexes and reflection can occur.

 

[JordanMihailov]

I am speaking based on my very ancient memories from physics classes🙂

 

[Murloc]

the eye is missing in your drawing.

Anyway double-paned windows can do weird stuff so a ray can go through refractions and reflections to give the end result.