Questions: If you are working as a forensic scientist and are given an unknown powder from a crime scene, what would you hope to find out about the powder?
Transcript text: If you are working as a forensic scientist and are given an unknown powder from a crime scene, what would you hope to find out about the powder?
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify Physical Properties
Observe the color, texture, and particle size of the powder.
Note any distinct physical characteristics.
Step 2: Conduct Solubility Tests
Test the powder's solubility in various solvents (e.g., water, ethanol, acetone).
Record which solvents dissolve the powder and to what extent.
Step 3: Perform Chemical Tests
Use reagents to test for the presence of specific ions or functional groups.
Conduct pH tests to determine the acidity or basicity of the powder.
Final Answer
The goal is to identify the physical properties, solubility, and chemical composition of the unknown powder.