Sunday, November 30, 2014
Forensic Chemistry STudents : Experiment No. 4 and 5
Laboratory Manual
Experiment # 4 Name_______________________________
Mixtures and Compounds
Reference: Chapters 1, 2, and 3
Objective: Students will observe common properties of mixtures and compounds.
Materials: methanol, DI water, sugar, salt, analytical balance, watch glass, and oven.
Introduction:
Elements and compounds may exist as pure substances or as mixtures. Pure substances contain only one component and
have the same composition throughout, i.e., pure gold, pure sugar, pure water, etc. Mixtures contain two or more pure substances
and may be homogeneous or heterogeneous. Homogeneous mixtures have the same composition and properties
throughout. However, they are not pure substances because they contain more than one component. Heterogeneous mixtures
have distinctly different properties within the mixture; water and sand would be an example. In any binary solution (a solution
that contains only two components), the solvent is the component present in greatest amount and the solute is the
component present in least amount.
The following mixtures will be provided. Classify each mixture by circling homogeneous or heterogeneous.
Solution #1 Sugar in water (sat.) homogeneous or heterogeneous
Solution #2 Salt in water (sat.) homogeneous or heterogeneous
Solution #3 Sugar in methanol (sat.) homogeneous or heterogeneous
Solution #4 Salt in methanol (sat.) homogeneous or heterogeneous
Part A:
Clean and dry four watch glasses and label each 1, 2, 3, or 4. Weigh each empty watch glass on an analytical balance and
record the mass in the table below under “watch glass.” Be sure to weigh the watch glasses after they are labeled! Place 1.0
ml of the corresponding solutions above on each of the labeled watch glasses, i.e., place 1.0 ml of solution #1 on watch
glass labeled 1, etc. Using the same analytical balance that was used to weigh the empty watch glasses, carefully weigh the
watch glasses containing each solution. Determine the mixture mass for each solution by subtracting the mass of the empty
watch glass from the mass of the watch glass containing solution. Record the mass of each mixture in the table below under
“mixture mass.” Save the watch glasses containing each solution for Part B. Clean and dry two small test tubes and place
one test tube into a small beaker. Place the test tube/beaker on the analytical balance and tare the balance (zero the balance
with the test tube/beaker on the pan). Place 1.0 ml of water into the test tube and record the mass in the table below under
Solvent Mass for water. Repeat the procedure using the other test tube and 1.0 ml of methanol. Record the mass below
under Solvent Mass for methanol (water is the solvent in solutions 1 and 2, methanol is the solvent in solutions 3 and 4).
Subtract the solvent mass from the mixture mass and record the difference in the table below under “solute mass.”
Watch Glass Mixture Mass Solvent Mass Solute mass
#1- Water-
#2- Water-
#3- Methanol-
#4- Methanol-
What is the mass of sugar in mixture #1?
What is the mass of salt in mixture #2?
What is the mass of sugar in mixture #3?
What is the mass of salt in mixture #4? Laboratory Manual 291
Did the mixture mass exceed the solvent mass in any solution? If so, explain.
Did the solvent mass exceed the mixture mass in any solution? If so, explain.
Did the solvent mass equal the mixture mass in any solution? If so, explain.
Explain your observed results using your knowledge of homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures.
Part B:
Carefully place the watch glasses containing each solution in the oven and evaporate the solvent to dryness. When evaporation
is complete, weigh each watch glass and record the mass in the table below under “watch glass/residue.” Determine the
mass of the residue by subtracting the mass of the empty watch glass (measured in Part A) from the mass of the watch glass/
residue. The residue is the actual mass of solute contained in each solution. Record the residue mass in the table below under
“solute mass (actual).”
Watch Glass/Residue Solute Mass (actual)
What is the actual mass of sugar in mixture #1?
What is the actual mass of salt in mixture #2?
What is the actual mass of sugar in mixture #3?
What is the actual mass of salt in mixture #4?
Conclusion: (Hint: Defi nition of solution; did any of the 1.0 ml solutions actually contain 1.0 ml of solvent?) 292 Laboratory Manual
Chemical Formulas and Nomenclature
Reference: Chapters 2 and 3
Objective: Students will gain experience writing chemical formulas for ionic compounds. Students will learn formal procedures
used to name ionic and covalent compounds.
Introduction:
Substances are either elements or compounds. A compound is a substance that consists of two or more elements bonded
together in a specifi c way. The forces that hold atoms together in a compound are called chemical bonds. An ionic bond
involves the transfer of electrons from a metal to a nonmetal . A covalent bond consists of a pair of electrons shared between
two nonmetals .
Ions and the Octet Rule
Atoms are electrically neutral because they have an equal number of electrons and protons. An atom can be converted into a
charged particle called an ion by losing or gaining one or more electrons. The loss of electron(s) from a neutral atom produces
a positively charged ion called a cation (pronounced cat-ion). The gain of electron(s) by a neutral atom produces a
negatively charged ion called an anion (pronounced an-ion).
Generally, the charge on an ion can be predicted from the position of the element on the periodic table. The metals (on the
left-hand side of the table) lose electrons to form cations. The Group IA elements lose ONE electron to achieve an octet and
take a charge of 1 positive. This is correctly written using a superscript “+” attached to the upper right side of the elemental
symbol, i.e., Na +
. Notice that the number “1” is not written when the cation carries a positive one charge. The Group IIA
elements lose TWO electrons and take a charge of 2 positives. This is correctly written using a superscript “2+” attached to
the upper right side of the elemental symbol, i.e., Mg 2+ . When cations carry a charge greater than one, the number is written
fi rst, followed by the sign. The Group IIIA elements lose THREE electrons and take a charge of 3 positives which is written
as a superscript “3+”, i.e., Al 3+ .
The nonmetals (on the right-hand side of the table) gain electrons to form anions. The Group VIIA elements gain ONE
electron to achieve an octet and take a charge of 1 negative. This is written using a superscript “-“ attached to the elemental
symbol, i.e., Cl -
. Once again, the “1” is not written. The Group VIA elements gain TWO electrons and take a charge of 2
negatives which is written as a superscript “2-“, i.e., O 2- . The Group VA elements gain THREE electrons and take a charge
of 3 negatives which is written as superscript “3-“, i.e., N 3- . Some transition metals and metals in Group IVA have variable
charges (more than one positive ion is possible). See table below.
Some common ions and their location on the periodic table.
IA IIA IIIA IVA VA VIA VIIA
H +
Li +
Be 2+ N 3- O 2- F -
Na +
Mg 2+ Al 3+ P 3- S 2- Cl -
K + Ca 2+ Fe 2+
Fe 3+
Co 2+
Co 3+
Ni 2+ Cu +
Cu 2+
Zn 2+ Br -
Rb +
Sr 2+ Ag +
Sn 2+
Sn 4+
I -
Cs +
Ba 2+ Hg 2
2+
Hg 2+
Pb 2+
Pb 4+
Experiment # 5 Name __________________________________ Laboratory Manual 293
Writing Formulas for Ionic Compounds
Ionic compounds are electrically neutral . Therefore, when writing formulas, the cations (positive) and anions (negative)
must combine to produce a net charge of zero. In the formula, the cation (metal) is always written fi rst, followed by the anion
(nonmetal). The number and types of each element must be clearly shown in the formula; the type of element is indicated
using the elemental symbol, and the number of each element is indicated using a subscript attached at the lower right side of
the symbol. The number “1” is not written in cases requiring only a single element. Formulas for ionic compounds are called
formula units .
The correct ratio required to produce a net charge of zero when Na +
ions combine with Cl -
ions is one to one because one
Na +
cancels one Cl -
. Therefore, the formula is NaCl. Notice this is not written Na 1
Cl 1
.
The correct ratio when Na +
ions combine with O 2- ions is two to one because two Na + are required to cancel one O 2- .
The 2 atoms of Na are indicated in the formula using a subscript “2” directly attached to Na. The formula is Na 2
O.
The correct combining ratio when Na + ions and P 3- ions combine is: Na 3
P (three to one).
Practice Examples:
Write the formula for the ionic compound that is formed when each of the following pairs of ions interact:
a) K +
and S 2-
b) Mg 2+ and O 2-
c) Ca 2+ and I -
d) Li +
and N 3-
e) Al 3+ and S 2-
Solution
(a) The cation has a charge of 1+ because K is a member of Group IA. The anion has a charge of 2- because S is member
of Group VIA. Thus, two positive ions (2+) are required for each negative ion (2-) to produce an electrically neutra l
formula unit.
The formula is K2
S .
(b) The cation has a charge of 2+ and anion has a charge of 2-. The ratio is 1:1. The formula is MgO .
(c) The cation has a charge of 2+ and anion has a charge of 1-. Two negative ions are required for each positive ion. The
formula is CaI2
.
(d) The cation has a charge of 1+ and anion has a charge of 3-. Three positive ions are required for each negative ion. The
formula is Li3
N .
(e) The cation has a charge of 3+ and anion has a charge of 2-. Two positive ions are required for three negative ions. Here,
the lowest common factor of 3+ and 2- is 6 (without sign). The formula is Al2
S3
.
Naming Ions
The names of cations and anions are determined by a system developed by the International Union of Pure and Applied
Chemistry (IUPAC).
Metals That Form Only One Type of Positive Ion
Elements in Groups IA, IIA, IIIA, and some transition elements form only one type of cation. For these ions, the name of the
cation is the elemental name of the metal followed by the word “ion.” Cations can now be differentiated from their
corresponding neutral forms using specifi c names. For example, K is potassium (neutral form) and K + is potassium ion
(cationic form).
Na +
sodium ion K +
potassium ion Mg 2+ magnesium ion
Al 3+ aluminum ion Ag +
silver ion Zn 2+ zinc ion
Metals That Form Two Different Positive ions
Metals in Group IVA, and most transition metals, form more than one type of cation and the charge must be included in the
name. For these ions, the name of the cation is the elemental name of the metal followed by a Roman numeral in parentheses,
with no space after the name. The Roman numeral indicates the positive charge on the ion. Technically, the names do not end
with the word “ion,” although some still prefer to include it. 294 Laboratory Manual
Sn 2+ tin(II) Sn 4+ tin(IV)
Pb 2+ lead(II) Pb 4+ lead(IV)
Cu +
copper(I) Cu 2+ copper(II)
Fe 2+ iron(II) Fe 3+ iron(III)
Co 2+ cobalt(II) Co 3+ cobalt(III)
Hg 2
2+ mercury(I) Hg 2+ mercury(II)
Naming Anions
Anions are named by replacing the last part of the elemental name with the suffi x –ide , and adding the word “ion”. Anions
can now be differentiated from their corresponding neutral forms using specifi c names. For example, S is sulfur (neutral
form) and S 2- is sulf ide (anionic form).
F -
fl uoride ion Cl -
chloride ion Br -
bromide ion I -
iodide ion
O 2-
oxide ion S 2- sulfi de ion N 3-
nitride ion P 3-
phosphide ion
Polyatomic Ions
A polyatomic ion is an ion that contains two or more elements. It is recommended that you memorize the names and formulas
of the following polyatomic ions:
NH 4
+
ammonium SO 3
2- sulfi te
CN -
cyanide SO 4
2- sulfate
OH -
hydroxide HSO 3
-
hydrogen sulfi te
C 2
H 3
O 2
-
acetate HSO 4
-
hydrogen sulfate
CrO 4
2- chromate PO 3
3- phosphite
Cr 2
O 7
2- dichromate PO 4
3- phosphate
MnO 4
-
permanganate HPO 4
2- hydrogen phosphate
NO 2
-
nitrite ClO -
hypochlorite
NO 3
-
nitrate ClO 2
-
chlorite
CO 3
2- carbonate ClO 3
-
chlorate
HCO 3
-
hydrogen carbonate ClO 4
-
perchlorate
The common name for HCO 3
-
, HSO 3
-
, and HSO 4
-
are bicarbonate, bisulfi te, and bisulfate respectively.
Naming Ionic Compounds
Binary ionic compounds containing metals that form only one type of positive ion
These compounds contain only two types of elements; a metal ion and a nonmetal ion. Note: binary refers to element types,
not total number of atoms. For example; MgBr 2
contains 3 total atoms, 1 Mg and 2 Br’s, but it contains only two types, Mg
and Br. Also, recall all elemental symbols begin with capital letters, if you have a binary compound, your formula contains
only two capital letters. The metal is always named fi rst using the elemental name of the metal. The nonmetal is named second
using the anionic name of the nonmetal (elemental name modifi ed with the suffi x –ide ).
Practice Examples:
Name the following binary ionic compounds:
NaCl MgBr 2
AlP K 2
S SrF 2
ZnI 2
Solution
NaCl sodium chloride K 2
S potassium sulfi de
MgBr 2
magnesium bromide SrF 2
strontium fl uoride
AlP aluminum phosphide ZnI 2
zinc iodide
Binary ionic compounds containing metals that form two different positive ions
These compounds are essentially named using the same procedure developed for metals forming only one type of cation. The
distinction is that the charge on the cation must be written as a Roman numeral in parentheses immediately after (with no
space) the metal name. Laboratory Manual 295
Practice Examples:
Name the following binary ionic compounds:
FeBr 3
CoF 2
SnO PbI 4
HgS Cu 3
P
Solution
FeBr 3
iron(III) bromide PbI 4
lead(IV) iodide
CoF 2
cobalt(II) fl ouride HgS mercury(II) sulfi de
SnO tin(II) oxide Cu 3
P copper(I) phosphide
Ionic compounds containing polyatomic ions
Identifying compounds containing polyatomic ions is somewhat simplifi ed by the fact that all elemental symbols begin with
capital letters. If you identify more than two capital letters in the formula, your compound contains a polyatomic ion that you
must immediately recognize (the value of memorizing!). Naming these compounds is simply based on your familiarity with
the polyatomic ions. The cation is named fi rst using its elemental name, followed by the name of the polyatomic ion.
Practice Examples:
Name the following polyatomic ionic compounds:
Ca(NO 3
) 2
ZnSO 4
NH 4
CN
Li 3
PO 4
Na 2
CO 3
Mg(HCO 3
) 2
Solution
Ca(NO 3
) 2
calcium nitrate
ZnSO 4
zinc sulfate
NH 4
CN ammonium cyanide
Li 3
PO 4
lithium phosphate
Na 2
CO 3
sodium carbonate
Mg(HCO 3
) 2
magnesium hydrogen carbonate
Compounds containing only nonmetals (molecular compounds)
This type of compound contains covalent bonds, so the concept of cations and anions is somewhat obscure and does not
necessarily apply. Regardless, they are essentially named using the previously developed procedure for naming binary compounds
containing a metal. The fi rst element is named using its elemental name and the second is named using its anionic
name. The difference is the use of Greek prefi xes attached to each name, which indicate the number of each element present
in the formula. There is one important exception; the prefi x “mono” is never attached to the name of the fi rst element in the
formula. Let us look at SF 6
as an example. You should immediately notice that S and F are nonmetals because both are
located in the nonmetal section of the periodic table (right side). This observation should immediately trigger “prefi xes” in
your mind. SF 6
is sulfur hexafl uoride because the formula indicates one sulfur (note the absence of the subscript “1” attached
to S) and 6 fl uorides (subscript 6 attached to F). This is not monosulfur hexafl uoride because “mono” is never used with the
fi rst element. It is possible, however, to attach all other prefi xes to the name of the fi rst element, i.e., N 2
O 5
is dinitrogen pentoxide.
The Greek prefi xes are listed below, note that all end in a vowel. When the prefi x ends with an “a” or “o”, and the
elemental name begins with an “a” or “o”, the vowel of the prefi x is usually dropped to simplify pronunciation. Notice in our
N 2
O 5
example above, the name of the anion is pentoxide, not pentaoxide.
Greek prefi xes
1 (mono-) 2 (di-) 3 (tri-) 4 (tetra-) 5 (penta-)
6 (hexa-) 7 (hepta-) 8 (octa-) 9 (nona-) 10 (deca-)
Practice Examples:
Name the following binary molecular compounds:
N 2
O 5
CO 2
P 4
S 3
XeF 6
ICl NH 3
I 4
O 9
CO H 2
O H 2
O 2296 Laboratory Manual
Solution
N 2
O 5
dinitrogen pentoxide NH 3
nitrogen trihydride (ammonia)
CO 2
carbon dioxide I 4
O 9
tetraiodine nonoxide
P 4
S 3
tetraphosphorous trisulfi de CO carbon monoxide
XeF 6
xenon hexafl uoride H 2
O dihydrogen monoxide (water)
ICl iodine monochloride H 2
O 2
dihydrogen dioxide
Exercises
Inspect the periodic table and list ALL elements with a ONE letter abbreviation.
Symbol Name Period number Group number metal, nonmetal, or metalloid
Formulas of Ionic Compounds
Complete the following table with the formula of the compound.
Br -
O 2- NO 3
-
PO 4
3-
Na +
Mg 2+
Al 3+
Pb 4+
NH 4
+
Fe 2+
Fe 3+
Ionic Compounds
Write the correct name for each of the following ionic compounds.
Formula Name
Pb(HCO 3
) 4
Al 2
S 3
LiHSO 4
Zn 3
(PO 4
) 2
CoF 3
Ca(CN) 2
SnO 2
Na 2
CrO 4
K 2
CO 3
Cu 3
P
Sr(OH) 2
(NH 4
) 2
HPO 4
Hg 2
Cl 2Laboratory Manual 297
Formula Name
BaSO 4
Sn(NO 3
) 2
AgClO 3
Cu(HSO 3
) 2
Molecular Compounds
Name each of the following compounds.
Formula Name
BBr 3
Br 3
O 8
CI 4
C 3
O 2
Cl 2
O 7
IF 5
I 2
O 5
NCl 3
N 2
O 5
OF 2
P 4
S 3
P 4
S 9
P 4
O 10
SF 6
S 2
Cl 2
SiS 2
SiBr 4
XeF 2
XeO 4
XeF 6298 Laboratory Manual
Experiment # 6 Name ________________________________
Solubility
Reference: Chapter 3
Objective: Students will test the solvent properties of various liquids to observe and understand the chemical nature of
solubility and miscibility.
Materials: acetone, chloroform, ammonia, methanol, water, test tubes, and pipettes.
Introduction:
Water is a common solvent in many solutions and substances like salt and sugar readily dissolve in water. Any substance that
dissolves appreciatively in a specifi ed solvent is said to be soluble in that solvent. Technically, the term solubility refers to a
quantitative maximum amount of substance that can dissolve in a given volume of solvent at a specifi c temperature. The
ability of a substance to dissolve in a particular solvent depends on the identity of both the solvent and the substance; the
general rule is “likes dissolve likes.” Water is a polar covalent molecule and, as a solvent, can dissolve similar molecules
(polar covalent). The polarity of water is responsible for its remarkable solvent properties and explains why ionic compounds
(i.e., NaCl) and polar covalent compounds (i.e., sucrose, ammonia) are soluble, whereas nonpolar molecules (i.e., organic,
gasoline, oils) are not. Terms such as soluble, slightly soluble, insoluble, and solubility are used to describe the ability of a
substance to dissolve in a solvent. Intuitively, we associate the term “dissolving” with solids and liquids; however, a liquid
may also be soluble in another liquid. For example, when 25.0 ml of ether is added to 25.0 ml of water, the resulting total
volume is not 50.0 ml, in fact, it is slightly less (approx. 48.5 ml). This is the result of solubility; ether and water are slightly
soluble in one another and consequently, the volumes are not additive. The solubility of one liquid in another is diffi cult to
determine and is usually not readily observed upon mixing. For this reason, liquids are often characterized using their ability
to mix with other liquids rather than their solubility in other liquids. The degree of mixing between two liquids is described
using the terms miscible and immiscible . Two liquids are miscible (soluble) if a uniform solution results after mixing
(i.e., water and ammonia). Two liquids are immiscible (insoluble) if two distinct layers form after mixing (i.e., oil and water).
Water is miscible in polar liquids and immiscible in nonpolar (organic) liquids.
Part A:
Add 1.0 ml of each of the following reagents to four separate, clean, and dried test tubes: chloroform, ammonia, methanol,
water. Add 1.0 ml of acetone to each test tube and mix. Observe the results and characterize the liquids as miscible ( M ) or
immiscible ( I ). Record your results in the table below under the corresponding reagents. Clean and dry three test tubes and
add 1.0 ml of each of the following reagents to separate test tubes: ammonia, methanol, water. Add 1.0 ml of chloroform to
each test tube and mix. Record your results in the table below under the corresponding reagents. Clean and dry two test tubes
and add 1.0 ml of each of the following reagents to separate test tubes: methanol, water. Add 1.0 ml of ammonia to each test
tube and mix. Record your results in the table below under the corresponding reagents. Clean and dry one test tube and
add 1.0 ml of methanol and 1.0 ml of water to the test tube and mix. Record your results in the table below under the
corresponding reagents.
Reagents Chloroform Ammonia Methanol Water
Acetone
Chloroform --------------
Ammonia -------------- ------------
Methanol -------------- ------------ ------------ Laboratory Manual 299
Identify the organic liquids:
Identify the inorganic liquids:
What liquids are polar?
What liquids appear to be non-polar?
List the liquid-pairs that are miscible:
List the liquid-pairs that are immiscible:
Are immiscible liquids soluble in one another? Briefl y explain.
Are miscible liquids soluble in one another? Briefl y explain.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
FOR CRIMINOLOGY CHAPTER 1-INTRO TO FORENSIC CHEM-LECTURE
Forensic Chemistry
Forensic science is the application of scientifi c principles to matters involving the law. This area of science is generally considered
quite fascinating and it continues to experience growing popularity. Many would agree that the current public interest
in forensics is a direct result of CSI-related television programming. These weekly shows have brought a once relatively
unknown area of science to the forefront of public mainstream. Viewers are captivated and intrigued by well-informed scientists
working in spotless labs with ominous lighting and a modern music background. The use of cutting-edge technology
provides last-minute revelations culminating in the solution of a complex crime. These programs are entertaining and have
certainly increased public awareness to the fi eld of forensics; but alas, television is not reality. Although it is true that forensic
science has experienced tremendous growth, few would (or should) believe this to be the result of fi ctional television
programming.
Media coverage of high-profi le cases has increased over the last decade in both numbers and content. Crime-scene
investigation and forensic analysis have been brought out of the lab and into the public’s “scrutinizing eye.” Forensic science,
once a broad fi eld, has become segregated into highly specialized disciplines. For example, forensic chemistry,
forensic pathology, forensic dentistry, forensic entomology, and forensic DNA analysis have evolved into independent
fi elds of forensics. It seems more appropriate – and clearly more realistic – to attribute the unprecedented popularity of
forensic investigation to enhanced public awareness and an increase in the availability of career opportunities.
Chemistry is the study of the composition of matter and the changes it undergoes. Forensic chemistry is a specialized
area of forensic science involving the application of chemical principles and techniques to the fi eld of forensic investigation.
The role of forensic chemistry in criminal investigations is vast and ranges from techniques used to collect and preserve
evidence, to complex chemical procedures used to identify elements and compounds. Identifi cation procedures are
highly reliable and are frequently based on the chemical and physical properties of the substance supported by data obtained
from analytical analysis. Most chemical techniques used for isolation, purifi cation, and identifi cation are valid forensic
techniques; however, chemical analysis differs from forensic chemical analysis in two ways: regulatory and judiciary.
The results of forensic investigation may have a serious impact on lives. Therefore, techniques performed during forensic
analysis must be closely regulated to ensure the accuracy and integrity of experimental results. Forensic laboratories must
develop two operating manuals designed to meet the specifi c needs of each laboratory. The technical procedures manual
outlines the step-by-step details of all procedures used in forensic examinations. The quality- control manual is designed to
maintain the highest standards of reliability and integrity of work done by scientists in the lab. Adherence to both the technical
procedures manual and lab quality manual is a crucial part of any analysis and is strictly enforced both internally and
externally. Internal quality control includes, but is not limited to, periodic instrument calibration, checking reagents for expiration,
and performance evaluations on scientists working in the laboratory. In addition, a detailed record is kept of all internal
quality procedures performed. Outside regulatory agencies are responsible for external quality control and these agencies
may vary from state to state in the US. The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) has recently accepted
the painstaking task of regulating various fi elds within forensic science worldwide. This includes the forensic chemistry section
in the United States. ASCLD is the regulatory organization responsible for supervising, evaluating, and directing all
laboratories within its membership. Their designated inspectors evaluate technical staff and conduct periodic site inspections
to ensure the highest standards of quality and technical performance. The efforts of ASCLD have helped to streamline and 4 1 Introduction
standardize forensic analytical techniques worldwide. In addition, ASCLD provides direction and qualifi ed solutions to
potential issues facing member laboratories.
Courtroom presentation of scientifi c principles and techniques used during forensic examination is the judiciary responsibility
of the forensic chemist. Forensic chemists are often called upon to describe complex chemical procedures to individuals who
have a limited understanding of scientifi c principles. This responsibility can present a variety of challenges to the forensic chemist
as an expert witness. Courtroom testimony is carefully prepared using common terminology and the presentation must be in
a clear, simple manner that avoids confusion and misinterpretation. To achieve this, forensic chemists often use common analogies
to describe complex chemical and analytical techniques. For example, a gas chromatograph is an instrument used to separate
a gaseous mixture into individual components based on size and/or charge. The description of how a gas chromatograph
functions may contain a reference to coin-separating machines frequently found in local grocery stores. A coin machine separates
the mixture of coins based on size, and totals each pile based on weights. This analogy would illustrate how a gas chromatograph
functions and may help members of a jury be more comfortable with testimony about this complex instrument.
Similar analogies will be used in the following chapters to describe complex chemical procedures and analytical techniques
frequently used in forensic chemistry. These analogies are designed to promote an understanding of the topic under discussion
while adding clarity and continuity to the subject.
1.2 Scientifi c Investigation
Imagine yourself in a classroom for an extended period of time without the ability to see outside. When you exit the building,
you immediately notice that the ground is wet. Your fi rst thought is that it rained while you were inside. To confi rm this, you
look to the sky to identify rain clouds. If the sky is cloudy, you are reasonably sure that it rained. If the sky is clear, you consider
another possibility – perhaps sprinklers wet the ground. To confi rm this, you look for sprinklers in the immediate area.
If they are found, you are reasonably sure of why the ground is wet. If no sprinklers are found, you consider another possibility
and the cycle repeats. Each time you consider a possible cause, you search for supporting evidence to confi rm that cause.
You accept or reject a possibility based on the presence or absence of supporting evidence. In the above scenario, you observe
a water truck spraying an adjacent construction site. You are now reasonably sure of how the ground became wet. The wet
ground was your observation . The possibility of rain was your fi rst hypothesis . Searching the sky for clouds was your experimentation
. The absence of clouds in the sky caused you to reject your hypothesis . Other hypotheses were considered and
subsequently rejected based on a lack of supporting evidence. Finally, the water truck hypothesis was confi rmed when you
saw the truck in the immediate area. Your determination that the water truck wet the ground is your conclusion or theory .
This deductive procedure is termed the scientifi c method : the process used to form theories . It begins with an observation :
the discovery and recognition of some type of unexplained phenomenon. The observation is followed by the hypothesis : the
proposal of a possible cause of the observation. The hypothesis is tested during the experimentation phase using experiments
specifi cally designed to prove the hypothesis. If experimental results do not support the hypothesis, another possibility is
considered and tested. If the experiments are successful and repeatable, the hypothesis becomes a theory and is presented to
the scientifi c community.
1.3 Forensic Investigation
Imagine a distant planet, similar to earth, with diverse climates and distinctly different environments across its surface. Now
imagine that four space programs on earth send their astronauts to the new planet that, by chance, land in different regions
characterized as a desert landscape, a tropical rainforest, a frozen landscape, and mountainous landscape. The astronauts
explore their regions collecting samples, data, and video from their distinctly different environments. They return to their
respective countries with a description of the planet supported by evidence collected during exploration. Each space program
presents their information to the world, but the views are confl icting. Each country defends their position and accuses the
others of presenting false or misleading information. Whom do you believe? Intuitively, you trust your astronauts and reject
the other three despite the fact that, in reality, each is truthful and correct. It is not uncommon for different forensic scientists
to arrive at different conclusions after examining the same piece of evidence. This is acceptable, if not expected, in the fi eld
of forensic investigation. The results of forensic examinations must never be accepted or rejected because you know or trust
one scientist more than another. You must keep an unbiased, open mind, knowing that two or more scientists may present
different perspectives when evaluating the same piece of evidence. 1.5 Physical Properties 5
An unfortunate aspect of forensic investigation is that the results of your examination will always have a negative impact
on one party. If the evidence supports the suspect’s innocence, the victim is unhappy; if it supports the suspect’s guilt, the
suspect is unhappy. This is both unfortunate and unavoidable; however, it is the duty of the forensic chemist to present the
unbiased story of the evidence.
1.4 Properties of Matter
Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. It is diffi cult to imagine something that has mass that does not occupy
space, or something that occupies space that does not have mass. Do not spend too much time pondering the previous, I
cannot think of anything either (perhaps something on the previously referenced imaginary planet). Despite the apparent
redundancy in the defi nition of matter, it must satisfy the two parameters. There is a difference between the mass of an
object and its weight. Weight is a force resulting from the pull of gravity on a given mass. Mass is defi ned as a specifi c
quantity of matter and is not affected by the pull of gravity. The weight of an object on earth will be different from its
weight on the moon because the force of gravity is different. The mass of an object will be constant at these locations
despite the differences in gravitational fi eld strength. For this reason, the term “mass” should always be used in any area of
science when referring to “weight.” There are three states (or phases) of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. Solids have a defi ned
volume and a fi xed shape ; liquids have a defi ned volume and undefi ned shape – they conform to the shape of their container;
and gases have an undefi ned volume and undefi ned shape – they take the shape and volume of the container holding the gas.
Elements are the fundamental building blocks of all matter . The symbols used to identify all known elements can be found
on the periodic table, an arrangement of the elements based on atomic properties. For example, “H” represents the element
hydrogen and “O” represents the element oxygen. Compounds are formed through the combination of two or more elements
. Chemical formulas are used to represent compounds. They specify the identity and relative number of each atom
present using symbols from the periodic table and subscripts attached to each symbol. For example, the chemical formula
for water is H 2
O, a compound containing two atoms of the element hydrogen (note subscript 2 attached to H) and one atom
of the element oxygen. Elements and compounds may exist as pure substances or as mixtures. Pure substances contain only
one component and have the same composition throughout, for example, pure gold, pure sugar, and pure water. Mixtures
contain two or more pure substances and may be homogeneous or heterogeneous. Homogeneous mixtures have the same
composition and properties throughout . They are not pure substances because they contain more than one component. For
example, pure sugar water is a homogeneous mixture containing sugar and water. It has the same sweetness throughout;
however, evaporating one component (the water) will produce the other (sugar crystals). Heterogeneous mixtures have
distinctly different properties within the mixture ; water and sand would be an example. The sand and water are easily identi-
fi ed, regardless of the degree of mixing.
There are fundamental properties associated with all forms of matter. These distinguishing characteristics may be physical
or chemical in nature and are frequently used to identify and classify a particular substance.
CHAPTER 1. INTRO-FORENSIC CHEMISTRY
CHPTER TEST 1 FOR CRIMINOLOGY
The Periodic Table And Atomic Structure Test
Multiple Choice
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
31) The smallest particle into which an element can be divided and still have the properties of that element is
called a(n)
A) nucleus. B) electron. C) atom. D) neutron.
32) How would you describe the nucleus?
A) dense, positively charged B) mostly empty space, positively charged C) tiny, negatively charged
D) dense, negatively charged
33) Where are electrons likely to be found?
A) in the nucleus B) in electron clouds C) mixed throughout an atom D) in definite paths
34) Every atom of a given element has the same number of
A) protons. B) neutrons. C) electrons. D) isotopes.
35) What is the meaning of the word atom?
A) dividable B) invisible C) hard particles D) not able to be divided
36) Which statement is true about isotopes of the same element?
A) They have the same number of protons. B) They have the same number of neutrons. C) They have a
different atomic number. D) They have the same mass.
37) Which of the following has the least mass in an atom?
A) nucleus B) proton C) neutron D) electron
38) If an isotope of uranium, uranium-235, has 92 protons, how many protons does the isotope uranium-238
have?
A) 92 B) 95 C) 143 D) 146
39) A carbon atom with 6 protons, 6 electrons, and 6 neutrons would have a mass number of
A) 6. B) 18. C) 12. D) 15.
40) Periodic describes
A) something that occurs at regular intervals. B) something that occurs very rarely. C) something that
occurs frequently. D) something that occurs three or four times a year.
41) The elements in each vertical column on the periodic table usually have similar properties and are called a(n)
A) period. B) group. C) element. D) property.
42) The elements to the right of the zigzag line on the periodic table are called A) metalloids. B) conductors. C) metals. D) nonmetals.
43) Most metals are
A) solid at room temperature. B) bad conductors of electric current. C) dull. D) not malleable.
44) The properties of elements in a horizontal row of the periodic table follow
A) a nonrepeating pattern. B) a periodic pattern. C) no pattern. D) an unpredictable pattern.
45) Elements on the periodic table are arranged in order of
A) increasing density. B) decreasing density. C) increasing atomic number. D) decreasing atomic number.
46) Which of the following statements describes most metals?
A) They are easily shattered. B) They are gases at room temperature. C) They are dull. D) They are good
conductors of electric current.
47) Which of the following is a property of alkali metals?
A) They are so hard they cannot be cut. B) They are very reactive. C) They are stored in water. D) They
have few uses.
48) Most of the elements in the periodic table are
A) metals. B) metalloids. C) gases. D) nonmetals.
49) A horizontal row on the periodic table is called a(n)
A) group. B) family. C) period. D) atomic number.
50) Elements lying along the zigzag line on a periodic table are
A) metals B) nonmetals C) metalloids D) noble gases
51) How do the physical and chemical properties of the elements change?
A) periodically within a group B) periodically across each period C) periodically within a family
D) periodically across each group
52) Transition metals are
A) good conductors of thermal energy. B) more reactive than alkali metals. C) not good conductors of
electric current. D) used to make aluminum. 53) The letter C is carbon’s
A) atomic number. B) atomic mass. C) chemical symbol. D) element name.
54) The number at the top is the
A) atomic number. B) element name. C) atomic mass. D) chemical symbol.
55) The carbon group has two metalloids, both of which are used to make
A) dinnerware. B) foil. C) cans. D) computer chips.
56) Which one of the following tells the physical state of an element at room temperature?
A) the atomic number B) the color of the chemical symbol C) the atomic mass D) the element name The Periodic Table And Atomic Structure Test
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Sample of test
Part I.
Calculate the [H3O in a solution prepared by mixing 25.0mL of 1.0M HCl with 50.0mL of 0.50M KOH.
A. 1.0 M B. 0.50 M
C. 0.25 M D. 1.0 107 M
The pH of a 0.10M KOH solution is
Consider the acid-base equilibrium system:
HC2O4H2BO3↔H3BO3 C2O42
Identify the Brönsted-Lowry bases in this equilibrium.
A. H2BO3and H3BO3
B. HC2O4and H3BO3
C. HC2O4and C2O42
D. H2BO3and C2O42
Which of the following graphs describes the relationship between pH and pOH?
Which of the following solutions would have a pH value greater than 7?
A. [OH−] = 2.4 × 10−2 M
B. [H3O+] = 1.53 × 10−2 M
C. 0.0001 M HCl
D. [OH−] = 4.4 × 10−9 M
Which of the following is NOT a pure form of Carbon?
a. fullerenes b. graphite
c. calx d. diamond
For Classififcation:A. Sodium B. Aluminum C. Magnesium
D. Carbon E. Lithium F. Calcium
G. Beryllium H. Oxygen I. Fluorine
_____1. Highly flammable metal
_____2. Light malleable ductile that resists corrosion
_____3. Orange or yellow color to flames
_____4. Lightest metal known
Good Luck!
FINAL EXAM FOR BSFT II QUANTITATIVE CHEMISTRY MARCH 14, 2014
Coverage of Exam
A. Practice solving determining LIMITING OR EXCESS reagent/reactant, tHEORETICAL YIELD, ACTUAL YIELD, AND PERCENT YIELD
B. How to solve problems on STOICHIOMETRY AND MOLE CONCEPTS
C. TITRATION, ACID-BASE REACTION WITH MOLARITY Problems
D. Computing pH, pOH, H, and OH (study the graph that relates pH, pOh, H and OH)
E. Salt Hydrolysis and Conjugate acid-base pair
F. Study the following terms:acid rain,NaOH,ionization of water, properties of bases,Arrhenius acid-base,Bronsted-Lowry acid and base,buffer solution, standard solution, analyte, titrant, distilled water, Lewis acid and base, et...
G. Study all reports or assigned topics particularly those origins of the names, history, properties and color of each element in Flame test.
Bring calculator.. STudy harder! Good luck
Type of Exam: Objective Multiple Choice and Matching type test.
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