Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the main reason the jury believed the maggot evidence over the eye-witnesses in the Peter Thomas case?
What was the main reason the jury believed the maggot evidence over the eye-witnesses in the Peter Thomas case?
- The witnesses provided conflicting statements.
- The body showed no signs of decomposition.
- The police had prior knowledge of the suspects.
- The entomologist’s findings supported the maggot evidence. (correct)
What is the scientific name of the blowfly mentioned in the Peter Thomas case?
What is the scientific name of the blowfly mentioned in the Peter Thomas case?
- Calliphora erythrocephalus (correct)
- Lucilia sericata
- Musca domestica
- Chrysomya megacephala
During what time frame was Danielle van Dam reported missing?
During what time frame was Danielle van Dam reported missing?
- February 1st evening to February 3rd morning
- February 2nd evening to February 3rd morning
- February 1st evening to February 2nd morning (correct)
- February 2nd morning to February 3rd morning
What assumption did the police make regarding the time of death in the Peter Thomas case?
What assumption did the police make regarding the time of death in the Peter Thomas case?
How long did Prof. Keith Simpson estimate Peter Thomas had been dead?
How long did Prof. Keith Simpson estimate Peter Thomas had been dead?
What is indicated if a body is found hanging with discolouration in the lower parts?
What is indicated if a body is found hanging with discolouration in the lower parts?
Which statement is true if a body displays dark discolouration?
Which statement is true if a body displays dark discolouration?
What is liver mortis?
What is liver mortis?
If a pig's body displays signs of liver mortis, what can be inferred?
If a pig's body displays signs of liver mortis, what can be inferred?
When can darkly colored discolouration primarily be observed in a deceased body?
When can darkly colored discolouration primarily be observed in a deceased body?
What is the primary cause of rigor mortis following death?
What is the primary cause of rigor mortis following death?
How long after death does rigor mortis typically affect the entire body?
How long after death does rigor mortis typically affect the entire body?
What is the term for the settling of blood post-mortem due to gravity?
What is the term for the settling of blood post-mortem due to gravity?
During which time frame after death is livor mortis most apparent?
During which time frame after death is livor mortis most apparent?
How does the body color change due to livor mortis?
How does the body color change due to livor mortis?
Which of the following is not a factor affecting the timing of rigor mortis onset?
Which of the following is not a factor affecting the timing of rigor mortis onset?
What is the typical time frame for rigor mortis to fully resolve after its onset?
What is the typical time frame for rigor mortis to fully resolve after its onset?
Which of the following statements about rigor mortis is incorrect?
Which of the following statements about rigor mortis is incorrect?
What is a significant factor influencing the rate of decomposition after death?
What is a significant factor influencing the rate of decomposition after death?
Which statement correctly describes putrefaction?
Which statement correctly describes putrefaction?
What characteristic phenomenon occurs as microorganisms break down tissue after death?
What characteristic phenomenon occurs as microorganisms break down tissue after death?
What type of evidence is highlighted as important in determining factors surrounding a death?
What type of evidence is highlighted as important in determining factors surrounding a death?
Which of the following is NOT true regarding livor mortis?
Which of the following is NOT true regarding livor mortis?
Which of the following options is true about the decomposition process?
Which of the following options is true about the decomposition process?
How does temperature affect decomposition?
How does temperature affect decomposition?
Which process involves the breakdown of tissues after death, leading to changes in the body?
Which process involves the breakdown of tissues after death, leading to changes in the body?
Which forensic technique indicates the variability in fluorine and uranium content in bones?
Which forensic technique indicates the variability in fluorine and uranium content in bones?
What does an increased nitrogen content in fresh bone indicate?
What does an increased nitrogen content in fresh bone indicate?
Which of the following statements about the likelihood of time of death determination is correct?
Which of the following statements about the likelihood of time of death determination is correct?
What conclusion was drawn about Piltdown Man based on its composition?
What conclusion was drawn about Piltdown Man based on its composition?
Why is nitrogen content not reliable for determining the time of death in skeletal remains?
Why is nitrogen content not reliable for determining the time of death in skeletal remains?
What evidence was crucial in the conviction of Westerfield?
What evidence was crucial in the conviction of Westerfield?
What did fluorescence analysis indicate about skeletal remains?
What did fluorescence analysis indicate about skeletal remains?
What significant factor may complicate the analysis of a body covered in soil?
What significant factor may complicate the analysis of a body covered in soil?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of contemporary forensic assessments?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of contemporary forensic assessments?
What is commonly used to measure very small concentrations of trace elements?
What is commonly used to measure very small concentrations of trace elements?
What is the primary disadvantage of using chemical tests for detecting elements in samples?
What is the primary disadvantage of using chemical tests for detecting elements in samples?
How many grams are in one kilogram?
How many grams are in one kilogram?
What is one method to identify the elements present in an object?
What is one method to identify the elements present in an object?
What prefix represents one trillionth of a gram?
What prefix represents one trillionth of a gram?
What phenomenon occurs when white light passes through a prism?
What phenomenon occurs when white light passes through a prism?
What is a characteristic of trace impurities in materials?
What is a characteristic of trace impurities in materials?
Which metal is commonly used in bullets that indicates bulk composition?
Which metal is commonly used in bullets that indicates bulk composition?
What is a primary method of elemental analysis mentioned in the content?
What is a primary method of elemental analysis mentioned in the content?
Which element is NOT mentioned in relation to soil and bone analysis?
Which element is NOT mentioned in relation to soil and bone analysis?
What combination of techniques is mentioned for analyzing samples?
What combination of techniques is mentioned for analyzing samples?
Which physical process was used to match the trace element profile of soil?
Which physical process was used to match the trace element profile of soil?
What was the context involving the person who was trafficked to West Germany?
What was the context involving the person who was trafficked to West Germany?
What type of analysis involves using neutron activation?
What type of analysis involves using neutron activation?
What is the role of absorption spectrometry in elemental analysis?
What is the role of absorption spectrometry in elemental analysis?
Where were the soil samples from that were matched to the trace element profile?
Where were the soil samples from that were matched to the trace element profile?
What phenomenon leads to the discovery of helium in the solar spectrum?
What phenomenon leads to the discovery of helium in the solar spectrum?
What was the role of Ernest Rutherford in atomic theory?
What was the role of Ernest Rutherford in atomic theory?
What prevents atoms from collapsing due to electrostatic attraction?
What prevents atoms from collapsing due to electrostatic attraction?
How does spectroscopy relate to light and atoms?
How does spectroscopy relate to light and atoms?
What is the primary effect of passing white light through a prism?
What is the primary effect of passing white light through a prism?
What does the term 'Fraunhofer lines' specifically refer to?
What does the term 'Fraunhofer lines' specifically refer to?
What conclusion did Norman Lockyer draw from his investigations?
What conclusion did Norman Lockyer draw from his investigations?
Which of the following best describes the 'planetary model' of the atom?
Which of the following best describes the 'planetary model' of the atom?
What might affect the chemical composition of bones in a population?
What might affect the chemical composition of bones in a population?
Which trace elements are mentioned as significant in indicating geographical origin?
Which trace elements are mentioned as significant in indicating geographical origin?
In traditional societies, what is likely to influence the trace element composition in bones?
In traditional societies, what is likely to influence the trace element composition in bones?
What is a potential outcome if an individual consumes a diet rich in certain metals?
What is a potential outcome if an individual consumes a diet rich in certain metals?
What does the relative abundance of trace elements in bone indicate?
What does the relative abundance of trace elements in bone indicate?
What is a primary advantage of using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry?
What is a primary advantage of using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry?
Which of the following accurately describes the principle behind Atomic Absorption Spectrometry?
Which of the following accurately describes the principle behind Atomic Absorption Spectrometry?
What is a common disadvantage associated with Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy?
What is a common disadvantage associated with Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy?
What does EDX stand for in the context of X-ray analysis?
What does EDX stand for in the context of X-ray analysis?
In Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, what kind of light is used in the detection process?
In Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, what kind of light is used in the detection process?
What happens to the sample before it can be analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry?
What happens to the sample before it can be analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry?
Which component is crucial for the element separation in Atomic Absorption Spectrometry?
Which component is crucial for the element separation in Atomic Absorption Spectrometry?
What is one key feature of non-destructive analysis in EDX?
What is one key feature of non-destructive analysis in EDX?
What occurs when a higher energy electron drops to fill a vacancy created by ejecting a core electron?
What occurs when a higher energy electron drops to fill a vacancy created by ejecting a core electron?
What differentiates Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) from traditional light microscopy?
What differentiates Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) from traditional light microscopy?
What is the primary purpose of the electron gun in a Scanning Electron Microscope?
What is the primary purpose of the electron gun in a Scanning Electron Microscope?
What technique combines SEM and EDX to enhance imaging capabilities?
What technique combines SEM and EDX to enhance imaging capabilities?
How does the intensity of emitted X-rays relate to elements detected in energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX)?
How does the intensity of emitted X-rays relate to elements detected in energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX)?
What initiates the ejection of a core electron in the electron microscopy process?
What initiates the ejection of a core electron in the electron microscopy process?
What is the diameter of a particle referred to as gunshot residue?
What is the diameter of a particle referred to as gunshot residue?
What typically occurs as the electron beam from SEM interacts with the sample?
What typically occurs as the electron beam from SEM interacts with the sample?
Flashcards
Rigor Mortis
Rigor Mortis
Stiffening of muscles after death due to lactic acid buildup.
Livor Mortis
Livor Mortis
Blood settling in lower body parts after death. Causes discoloration.
Putrefaction
Putrefaction
Decomposition of tissues after death by microorganisms, creating gases and smell.
Forensic Entomology
Forensic Entomology
Signup and view all the flashcards
Blowfly Life Cycle
Blowfly Life Cycle
Signup and view all the flashcards
Time of Death (Skeletal)
Time of Death (Skeletal)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Fluorescence Analysis
Fluorescence Analysis
Signup and view all the flashcards
Bone Nitrogen
Bone Nitrogen
Signup and view all the flashcards
Bone Fluorine/Uranium
Bone Fluorine/Uranium
Signup and view all the flashcards
Toxicology
Toxicology
Signup and view all the flashcards
Trace Impurities
Trace Impurities
Signup and view all the flashcards
Bulk Composition
Bulk Composition
Signup and view all the flashcards
Parts Per Million (ppm)
Parts Per Million (ppm)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Parts Per Billion (ppb)
Parts Per Billion (ppb)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Spectrum
Spectrum
Signup and view all the flashcards
Chemical Tests
Chemical Tests
Signup and view all the flashcards
Destructive Analysis
Destructive Analysis
Signup and view all the flashcards
What causes Fraunhofer lines?
What causes Fraunhofer lines?
Signup and view all the flashcards
Why do different spectroscopic techniques use different wavelengths?
Why do different spectroscopic techniques use different wavelengths?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is the 'planetary model' of the atom?
What is the 'planetary model' of the atom?
Signup and view all the flashcards
Why don't atoms collapse due to electrostatic attraction?
Why don't atoms collapse due to electrostatic attraction?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is spectroscopy?
What is spectroscopy?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is white light?
What is white light?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is helium?
What is helium?
Signup and view all the flashcards
Why is the planetary model not the 'best' model?
Why is the planetary model not the 'best' model?
Signup and view all the flashcards
Atomic Absorption Spectrometer
Atomic Absorption Spectrometer
Signup and view all the flashcards
Hollow Cathode Lamp
Hollow Cathode Lamp
Signup and view all the flashcards
Flame Photometer
Flame Photometer
Signup and view all the flashcards
EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence)
EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Core Electron
Core Electron
Signup and view all the flashcards
Electromagnetic Radiation
Electromagnetic Radiation
Signup and view all the flashcards
Non-Destructive Analysis
Non-Destructive Analysis
Signup and view all the flashcards
What are characteristic X-rays?
What are characteristic X-rays?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is EDX?
What is EDX?
Signup and view all the flashcards
How is EDX used in SEM?
How is EDX used in SEM?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is the role of the electron gun in SEM?
What is the role of the electron gun in SEM?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What happens when electrons from the electron gun hit the sample?
What happens when electrons from the electron gun hit the sample?
Signup and view all the flashcards
Why does SEM-EDX use both electron beams and X-ray detection?
Why does SEM-EDX use both electron beams and X-ray detection?
Signup and view all the flashcards
How does SEM-EDX help in forensic analysis?
How does SEM-EDX help in forensic analysis?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What does the intensity of the emitted X-rays tell us?
What does the intensity of the emitted X-rays tell us?
Signup and view all the flashcards
Trace Elements in Bone
Trace Elements in Bone
Signup and view all the flashcards
Dietary Influences on Bone Chemistry
Dietary Influences on Bone Chemistry
Signup and view all the flashcards
Traditional Societies and Bone Chemistry
Traditional Societies and Bone Chemistry
Signup and view all the flashcards
Strontium in Bone
Strontium in Bone
Signup and view all the flashcards
Trace Elements and Geographic Origin
Trace Elements and Geographic Origin
Signup and view all the flashcards
Elemental Analysis
Elemental Analysis
Signup and view all the flashcards
Spectroscopy
Spectroscopy
Signup and view all the flashcards
Emission Spectroscopy
Emission Spectroscopy
Signup and view all the flashcards
Absorption Spectroscopy
Absorption Spectroscopy
Signup and view all the flashcards
NAA (Neutron Activation Analysis)
NAA (Neutron Activation Analysis)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Trace Elements
Trace Elements
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
###Â Rigor Mortis
- Lactic acid builds up in the muscles after death
- This causes stiffening of the muscles
- The stiffening starts in the smaller muscles (e.g., jaw) and progresses to larger muscles (e.g., legs)
- Rigor Mortis typically lasts up to 36 hours after death
- Timings are guidelines and other variables can affect the rate of rigor mortis
Livor Mortis
- Settling of blood in the lower parts of the body due to gravity after death
- This causes discolouration in the lower parts of the body
- Livor Mortis develops between 0-12 hours after death
- The position of the body can affect the discolouration
- Livor Mortis can be used to determine if the body has been moved
Putrefaction
- After death, microorganisms start to break down tissues
- This produces gases and a characteristic smell
- The rate of putrefaction is heavily influenced by factors such as temperature and drug use
- Blowflies and their life cycle can be used to estimate the time of death
Forensic Entomology
- The life cycle of blowflies can be used to estimate the time of death
- maggots go through three instars (stages)
- The age of the maggots can be used to determine when the body was first colonized by flies.
Peter Thomas Case
- Peter Thomas' body was found in the woods in 1964
- The body was covered in maggots
- Forensic entomologist, Prof. Keith Simpson, estimated that Peter Thomas died around 9-12 days before his body was found
- This evidence was used to convict the suspect, William Brittle
Danielle van Dam Case
- Danielle van Dam was reported missing in 2002
- Her body was found several weeks later in the mountains
- Forensic entomologists estimated a range of possible times of death based on the stage of maggots found on the body
- This evidence helped convict the suspect, David Westerfield
Time of Death from Skeletal Remains
- Fluorescence analysis can be used to determine the age of skeletal remains.
- No fluorescence indicates remains are at least 100 years old.
- Bone nitrogen content can be used to estimate the age of skeletal remains.
- Fresh bone is 4% nitrogen by weight
- The percentage of nitrogen decreases with age as proteins break down and nitrogen leaks into the soil
- Bone fluorine and uranium content can be used to estimate the age of skeletal remains.
- Fresh bone contains 0% fluorine and uranium
- These percentages increase slowly with age due to absorption from groundwater.
Piltdown Man
- Discovered in 1912-1915 in England
- Claimed to be a human ancestor
- Claimed age: 500,000 years
- Later discovered to be a hoax
- The bones were too young and had an unusual mix of modern and ancient features indicating the bones had been assembled fraudulently.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the concepts of rigor mortis, livor mortis, and putrefaction in this forensic science quiz. Understand how these processes occur after death and their importance in forensic investigations. Test your knowledge on how environmental factors and entomology play a role in determining the time of death.
