Accelerant Identification in Forensic Analysis

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What is the purpose of comparing the chromatographic pattern of an unknown sample to patterns produced by known petroleum products?

To measure the explosive power of the unknown sample

To identify accelerants in the unknown sample (correct)

To classify the unknown sample as a high explosive

To determine the chemical composition of the unknown sample

Where can one find the Ignitable Liquids Reference Hydrocarbon Collection (ILRC) that serves as a valuable reference for forensic analysts?

On the Forensic Analysis National Database

On a university's physical library

On a specific website at <a href="http://ilrc.ucf.edu">http://ilrc.ucf.edu</a> (correct)

On the National Explosives Reference Collection website

In gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, how are complex chromatographic patterns simplified?

By analyzing explosives decomposition speed

By comparing samples with known petroleum products

By using vapor concentration technique (correct)

By applying charcoal strip absorption

What characterizes low explosives like black powder and smokeless powder?

They are confined to containers during combustion Signup and view all the answers

Why is the sudden buildup of gas pressure significant in defining an explosion?

It constitutes the nature of an explosion Signup and view all the answers

In forensic analysis, what method is typically used to compare chromatograms from accelerant standards with the unknown sample?

Vapor concentration technique Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the charcoal strip in the vapor concentration technique during the recovery of accelerant residues?

To absorb volatile residues during heating Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the volatile residue in fire-scene debris when the airtight container is heated?

It is trapped in the container's airspace Signup and view all the answers

What role does a syringe play in the recovery of accelerant residues from fire-scare debris?

Injecting vapor into the gas chromatograph Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a gas chromatograph in analyzing flammable residues?

Identifying accelerants Signup and view all the answers

Why are petroleum distillates such as gasoline and kerosene mentioned in relation to arsons?

As possible accelerants used in initiating fires Signup and view all the answers

How can a forensic analyst determine the accelerant used to initiate a fire using gas chromatography?

By comparing gas chromatographic peaks from fire-scare debris to known flammable liquids Signup and view all the answers

What type of explosives are relatively insensitive to heat, shock, or friction and will burn rather than detonate if ignited in small quantities in the open air?

Secondary explosives Signup and view all the answers

What is the most popular and powerful military explosive often encountered in the form of pliable plastic known as C-4?

RDX Signup and view all the answers

Which homemade explosive has been used by terrorist organizations and can be made by combining acetone and peroxide in the presence of an acid?

TATP Signup and view all the answers

What must detonate secondary explosives?

Primary explosive Signup and view all the answers

What is known as the speed of decomposition in explosives?

Detonation Signup and view all the answers

Which high explosive has all but disappeared from the industrial explosive market in recent years, being replaced by ammonium nitrate-based explosives?

Dynamite Signup and view all the answers