Forensic Ballistics Equipment Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a Bullet Comparison Microscope?

To clean and maintain firearms

To measure the velocity of a bullet

To analyze gun powder residues

To simultaneously observe two fired bullets for differentiation (correct)

Who is credited with the introduction of the Bullet Comparison Microscope?

Dr. Calvin H. Goddard (correct)

Hans Gross

Francis Herbert Wenham

Karl Landsteiner

What is a key purpose of photomicrographs taken with a Bullet Comparison Microscope?

To display the gun's model

To document findings for court presentations (correct)

To maintain equipment calibration

To track bullet velocities

What is the primary purpose of the CP-6 Comparison Projector?

To compare two fired bullets simultaneously Signup and view all the answers

Which microscope is primarily used for the initial examination of fired bullets and shells?

Stereoscopic Microscope Signup and view all the answers

Which instrument is best suited for measuring the diameter of a bullet?

Micrometer/Caliper Signup and view all the answers

What technique does INTERMARRIAGE in bullet comparison use?

Merging images of evidence and test bullets in the same view Signup and view all the answers

What advancement is Francis Herbert Wenham known for in the context of forensic microscopy?

Designing the first successful stereomicroscope Signup and view all the answers

What unique function does the Scanning Electron Microscope perform?

Identifies elemental components of small residues Signup and view all the answers

How does the Stereoscopic Microscope assist in firearms examination?

By aiding in the examination of tampered serial numbers Signup and view all the answers

Who invented the Chronograph, a device used to measure bullet speed?

Alfred Lee Loomis Signup and view all the answers

What process is NOT typically associated with Bullet Comparison Microscopes?

Determining the weight of fired bullets Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Bullet Recovery Box?

Recovers test fired bullets for comparison Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials is NOT commonly used to fill a Bullet Recovery Box?

Concrete Signup and view all the answers

Which instrument is primarily used to determine weights of bullets?

Analytical or Torsion Balance Signup and view all the answers

What does the Taper Gauge specifically measure?

Bore diameter of firearms Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a bullet puller?

To separate the bullet from the cartridge case Signup and view all the answers

Which device is utilized for marking fired bullets and firearms in a laboratory setting?

Electric Gun Marker/Stylus Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Helixometer?

To measure the pitch of riflings in firearms Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the Computerized Comparison Microscope is responsible for displaying the magnified image?

Monitor Signup and view all the answers

Where would you find the Central Processing Unit in a Computerized Comparison Microscope?

As part of the body Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a basic part of a Computerized Comparison Microscope?

Helixometer Signup and view all the answers

What specific measurement can be obtained using a Filar Micrometer Eyepiece?

The pitch of rifling in turns per inch Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Focusing Knob in a microscope?

Make focal adjustments based on the selected magnification Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to recognize different equipment used in firearms identification.
Students will know the functions of laboratory equipment for forensic ballistics.
Students will apply knowledge on proper use and care of laboratory equipment.

Introduction

Firearms equipment, used by qualified personnel, helps in combating crimes.
A fired bullet or shell at a crime scene can be a critical piece of evidence.
Laboratories use equipment to identify and analyze evidence in firearms cases.

Bullet Comparison Microscope

Designed to differentiate two fired bullets or shells.
Observe magnified images simultaneously in a single field.
Compare markings for identification.
Used to show "intermarriage" (half of the same image) and "juxtaposition" (side by side comparison) of evidence.

Stereoscopic Microscope

Used for initial examination of bullets/shells
Determines relative distribution of class characteristics to determine orientation purposes
Useful for close-up examinations of tampered serial numbers or firearms

Shadowgraph

Contains lenses with different magnifications for examining fired bullets and shells.
Determines class characteristics.
Allows for orientation purposes.
Uses ground glass for observations

CP-6 Comparison Projector

Similar to the bullet comparison microscope.
Projects images onto a large screen for simultaneous viewing of two bullets/shells.
Viewing is vertical and comfortable.
Invented by William Howard Livens

Bullet Recovery Box

Used to examine test-fired bullets and shells
Designed to maintain the integrity of the evidence
Materials for the box can include cotton, water, sawdust, etc

Micrometer/Caliper

Used for measuring dimensions of bullets, barrels, etc.

Analytical or Torsion Balance

Used for determining weight of bullets and pellets.
Helpful for determining type, caliber, and make of the firearm.

Onoscope

Small instrument used to examine the inside of a gun barrel.
Includes a lamp for internal examination.

Taper Gauge

Used for measuring the bore diameter of firearms.

Scanning Electron Microscope

High-powered microscope used to identify gunpowder/primer residues.

Chronograph

Measures bullet speed.

Bullet Puller

Separates bullets from cartridge cases.

Electric Gun Marker/Stylus

Used for marking fired bullets, cartridges, and/or firearms evidence for examination

Filar Micrometer Eyepiece

Measuring microscope to read the width of lands and grooves.
Measures the twist of the rifling.

Helixometer

Measures the rifling pitch of firearms

Computerized Comparison Microscope

Similar to the bullet comparison microscope but uses a monitor for image viewing.

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Description

This quiz tests your knowledge on various pieces of equipment used in forensic ballistics, particularly focusing on the comparison of fired bullets and shells. You'll learn about the functions and proper care of essential forensic laboratory tools. Understand how these tools aid in crime scene investigations and evidence analysis.