Reflection / Physics of Light Question

[guitarman2977]

Not sure if this is the right forum for this, but does anyone know why reflections in glass buildings look so wavy?

[S.Horton]

Because the surfaces are not flat.

I think this looks kinda cool!

[guitarman2977]

Because the surfaces are not flat.

I think this looks kinda cool!

Thanks.

I think it looks cool too but I wasn't sure why it was happening.

[S.Horton]

My guess is that's not glass -- It is plexiglass or some other composite which bends.

They had to put that into the John Hancock Bldg in Boston in the 70s -- The real glass shattered when the building moved.

[justincase724]

Even glass will bow in and out on a building like that giving you a distorted reflection. There can be air pressure differences between floors within the building from air conditioners, exhaust fans, etc. that will distort the windows.

[Desertraptor]

Most glass these days has to bend some or it would shatter at the first winds or building movement.
Plexiglass is anti suicide also.

[TeeJay]

....Plexiglass is anti suicide also.

Not if the window's open it's not! :rolleyes:

:D

TJ

[Desertraptor]

I dont think many tall buildings have opening windows these days for just that reason. :O