TED-ED: How to spot a counterfeit bill - Tien Nguyen

The video tutorial explains the issues caused by counterfeit money and how to detect fake bills using simple tools and chemistry. It introduces the anti-counterfeit detection pen, which uses iodine to reveal starch in fake bills. Authentic bills are made of cotton and linen, while counterfeit ones often contain starch. The video also covers UV light countermeasures, where bills have a fluorescent strip that glows under UV light, helping to identify fakes. Additionally, it discusses visual cues like lifelike portraits and even spacing in serial numbers to spot counterfeit bills.

What is the primary chemical component in anti-counterfeit detection pens that reacts with starch?

• Potassium iodide

• Potassium chloride

• Sodium chloride

• Sodium iodide

What is the main limitation of using iodine solutions to detect counterfeit bills?

• They require special training to use.

• They are too expensive for regular use.

• They can damage real bills.

• They only work on bills printed with starchy paper.

What feature on U.S. bills printed since 1996 helps detect counterfeits under UV light?

• A magnetic strip

• A holographic strip

• A polyester strip with invisible ink

• A watermark

Which of the following is NOT a visual cue for identifying counterfeit bills?

• Unbroken inked border

• Lifelike portrait

• Evenly spaced serial numbers

• Holographic image

What should you check to ensure the seal on a bill is authentic?

• It has perfectly even sawtooth points.

• It is printed in multiple colors.

• It has uneven sawtooth points.

• It is larger than usual.