Forensic Science Instrumentation and Analysis

The FBI laboratory employs various specialized units to analyze physical evidence from crime scenes. The petrographic unit examines soils, minerals, and glass using advanced techniques like X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis. The hairs and fibers unit identifies transferred materials, while the tool mark unit compares tool impressions. Tire and shoe print analysis helps in identifying suspects. These services are provided to law enforcement agencies to aid in criminal investigations.

What is the primary focus of the FBI's petrographic unit?

• Studying chemical reactions

• Examining soils and minerals

• Analyzing DNA samples

• Investigating cyber crimes

Which instrument is used to analyze crystalline structures in the petrographic unit?

• Monochrometer

• Electron microscope

• X-ray diffractometer

• Thermal analyzer

How does the monochrometer help in glass sample analysis?

• By heating the sample

• By producing a characteristic color

• By measuring the weight

• By cutting the sample

What does the differential thermal analyzer do?

• Cools materials to freezing point

• Subjects materials to controlled heat

• Measures electrical conductivity

• Analyzes sound waves

What is the purpose of using polarized light in soil examination?

• To identify mineral grains

• To weigh the sample

• To magnify the sample

• To change the sample's color

What type of evidence does the hairs and fibers unit primarily examine?

• Hair and fibers

• Metal fragments

• Soil samples

• Glass particles

Which of the following can the hairs and fibers unit determine about a hair sample?

• The time of day the crime occurred

• Whether the hair was dyed

• The age of the person

• The exact location of the crime

What is the role of the tool mark unit in crime investigations?

• Studying chemical compositions

• Examining marks left by tools

• Investigating digital footprints

• Analyzing DNA sequences

How does the tire tread unit assist in crime investigations?

• By analyzing DNA from tire samples

• By identifying tire brands

• By comparing tire and shoe prints

• By measuring tire pressure

What is a key service offered by the FBI Laboratory to law enforcement agencies?

• Free psychological profiling

• Free surveillance equipment

• Free evidential examinations

• Free legal advice