Questions and Answers
What is algor mortis?
What is the normal body temperature in degrees Fahrenheit?
98.6 degrees Fahrenheit
At what rate does the body lose heat during the first 12 hours after death?
0.78 degrees C
What is the rate of heat loss after the first 12 hours?
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Calculate the temperature loss for someone who has been dead for 12 hours.
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How many factors affect the rate of algor mortis?
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What does ambient temperature refer to?
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Warm temperatures lead to a longer time for algor mortis.
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Cool temperatures accelerate algor mortis.
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What is the effect of excess body fat on the rate of algor mortis?
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How does clothing affect the rate of algor mortis?
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If a person is dead for less than 12 hours, how is the degree of temperature lost calculated?
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If a person is dead for more than 12 hours, how is the degree of temperature lost calculated?
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Study Notes
Algor Mortis Overview
- Algor mortis refers to the cooling of the body following death.
- Normal body temperature is approximately 98.6°F (37°C).
Heat Loss Post-Mortem
- In the first 12 hours post-death, the body loses heat at a rate of 0.78°C/hour.
- After the initial 12 hours, the rate of heat loss decreases to 0.39°C/hour (0.7°F/hour).
Temperature Loss Calculation
- For a deceased individual, the temperature loss after 12 hours can be calculated as 0.78°C multiplied by the number of hours (e.g., 0.78°C × 12 hours = 9.36°C).
Factors Influencing Algor Mortis
- The rate of algor mortis is affected by four key factors.
Ambient Temperature
- Ambient temperature is the temperature of the surrounding environment.
- Higher ambient temperatures can prolong the duration of algor mortis because the body retains heat.
- Cooler ambient temperatures increase the heat loss, accelerating algor mortis.
Wind Impact
- Wind can enhance heat loss from the body, thereby accelerating algor mortis.
Body Composition
- Excess body fat tends to slow the rate of algor mortis due to insulation properties.
Clothing Effects
- Limited clothing allows for faster heat loss, accelerating algor mortis.
- Excessive clothing can provide insulation, prolonging the rate of cooling.
Time Since Death
- If a person has been dead for less than 12 hours, the cooling can be calculated using the rate of 0.78°C/hour.
- For individuals deceased for more than 12 hours, the heat loss can be determined using the rate of 0.39°C/hour for the hours following the first 12 hours.
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Test your knowledge on algor mortis with these flashcards. This quiz covers the cooling of the body after death, normal body temperature, and the rate of temperature loss over time. Perfect for students studying forensic science or biology.
