Question 1

The number of significant digits in a number is defined as

Accepted Answer

A)  All the digits we are certain of, plus one 
B)  All digits to the right of the decimal point 
C)  All digits to the left of the decimal point 
D)  All digits that are retained by a calculator or spreadsheet 
E)  All the digits that are retained when scientific notation is used 
A)  All the digits we are certain of, plus one 
B)  All digits to the right of the decimal point 
C)  All digits to the left of the decimal point 
D)  All digits that are retained by a calculator or spreadsheet 
E)  All the digits that are retained when scientific notation is used

Question 2

A result from a forensic chemistry analysis is reported as 1274. ug/L

Accepted Answer

A)  There are zeros implied; the result can be read as 1274.000.. 
B)  There are four significant digits 
C)  Because of how the measurement was made, the rounding procedure is not clear 
D)  The value was rounded from 0.5 
A)  There are zeros implied; the result can be read as 1274.000.. 
B)  There are four significant digits 
C)  Because of how the measurement was made, the rounding procedure is not clear 
D)  The value was rounded from 0.5

Question 3

Significant figures ultimately arise from

Accepted Answer

A)  Math and trigonometry 
B)  Rounding rules 
C)  Metrological conventions and standards 
D)  Instruments used to obtain measurements 
A)  Math and trigonometry 
B)  Rounding rules 
C)  Metrological conventions and standards 
D)  Instruments used to obtain measurements

Question 4

Data obtained from a digital measuring device or instrument is always better than data from an analog device

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 5

Data that is fit for purpose

Accepted Answer

A)  does not have to be falsifiable 
B)  cannot be generated for most cases so we just do the best that we can 
C)  is always reported in SI units 
D)  answers the relevant question clearly and completely 
E)  None of the above 
A)  does not have to be falsifiable 
B)  cannot be generated for most cases so we just do the best that we can 
C)  is always reported in SI units 
D)  answers the relevant question clearly and completely 
E)  None of the above

Question 6

What does the "pedigree" term in the NUSAP system refer to?

Accepted Answer

A)  The breed of a drug-sniffing dog 
B)  The system within a forensic laboratory that stands behind the data that it reports 
C)  The calibration certificates of analytical balances used in casework 
D)  The training and experience of the analyst 
A)  The breed of a drug-sniffing dog 
B)  The system within a forensic laboratory that stands behind the data that it reports 
C)  The calibration certificates of analytical balances used in casework 
D)  The training and experience of the analyst

Question 7

An analyst is assigned a blind quality control sample of blood containing a drug metabolite. He tests ten separate portions and obtains the following data for the concentration in ug/mL:
25.2
24.8
26.6
27.0
24.0
26.0
25.5
26.3
24.9
23.9
Calculate the sample standard deviation and report to three significant figures. Use a spreadsheet or calculator.

Accepted Answer

A)  0.995 
B)  1.06 
C)  9.95 
D)  1.00 
E)  23.0 
A)  0.995 
B)  1.06 
C)  9.95 
D)  1.00 
E)  23.0

Question 8

An analyst is assigned a blind quality control sample of blood containing a drug metabolite. He tests ten separate portions and obtains the following data for the concentration in ug/mL:
25.2
24.8
26.6
27.0
24.0
26.0
25.5
26.3
24.9
23.9
The accepted true value of this sample is 24.7 ug/mL. What is the absolute error between the mean obtained by the analyst and the accepted true value? Report to two significant figures

Accepted Answer

A)  -1.30 
B)  0.72 
C)  0.93 
D)  -0.99 
E)  1.01
F) -0.77 
A)  -1.30 
B)  0.72 
C)  0.93 
D)  -0.99 
E)  1.01
F) -0.77

Question 9

An analyst prepares a diluted standard for use in a post-mortem toxicological assay. The analyst dilutes 2.0 uL of a commercial standard, 1.00 mg/mL, to 10.00 mL in a type A volumetric flask. A syringe is used to draw out and deliver the 2.0 uL. The absolute uncertainties of the equipment are:
Volumetric flask: 0.08 mL
Syringe: 0.10 uL
Commercial standard: 0.050 mg/mL
What is the final concentration of the diluted solution in ug/mL? WATCH THE UNITS and report to the correct number of significant figures

Accepted Answer

A)  20.0 
B)  0.0020 
C)  2.00 
D)  120.0 
E)  0.120
F) 1.20 
A)  20.0 
B)  0.0020 
C)  2.00 
D)  120.0 
E)  0.120
F) 1.20

Question 10

An analyst is assigned a blind quality control sample of blood containing a drug metabolite. He tests ten separate portions and obtains the following data for the concentration in ug/mL:
25.2
24.8
26.6
27.0
24.0
26.0
25.5
26.3
24.9
23.9
The accepted true value of this sample is 24.7 ug/mL. What is the % error between the mean obtained by the analyst and the accepted true value? Report to two significant figures

Accepted Answer

A)  2.9 
B)  -2.9 
C)  4.2 
D)  -4.2 
E)  None of the above 
A)  2.9 
B)  -2.9 
C)  4.2 
D)  -4.2 
E)  None of the above

Question 11

Metrology is best described as

Accepted Answer

A)  The science of making measurements 
B)  Characterization of scientific meters 
C)  The process of obtaining reliable weights 
D)  A process that each forensic laboratory develops for forensic chemical analysis 
A)  The science of making measurements 
B)  Characterization of scientific meters 
C)  The process of obtaining reliable weights 
D)  A process that each forensic laboratory develops for forensic chemical analysis

The number of significant digits in a number is defined as

A result from a forensic chemistry analysis is reported as 1274. ug/L

Significant figures ultimately arise from

Data obtained from a digital measuring device or instrument is always better than data from an analog device

Data that is fit for purpose

What does the "pedigree" term in the NUSAP system refer to?

Metrology is best described as

Assuring Good Measurements

Chemical Fundamentals

Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry

Spectroscopy

Overview of Drug Analysis

Novel Psychoactive Substances

Fundamentals of Toxicology

Applications of Forensic Toxicology

Overview of Combustion Chemistry

Fire Investigation and Fire Debris Analysis

Explosives

Firearms and Firearms Discharge Residue

Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence Analysis

Filters

Exam 1: Making Good Measurements

The number of significant digits in a number is defined as

A result from a forensic chemistry analysis is reported as 1274. ug/L

Significant figures ultimately arise from

Data obtained from a digital measuring device or instrument is always better than data from an analog device

Data that is fit for purpose

What does the "pedigree" term in the NUSAP system refer to?

Metrology is best described as

Assuring Good Measurements

Chemical Fundamentals

Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry

Spectroscopy

Overview of Drug Analysis

Novel Psychoactive Substances

Fundamentals of Toxicology

Applications of Forensic Toxicology

Overview of Combustion Chemistry

Fire Investigation and Fire Debris Analysis

Explosives

Firearms and Firearms Discharge Residue

Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence Analysis

Filters