Exam 17: Forensic Aspects of Fire and Explosion Investigation

Which chemical reaction is associated with a fire?

Which is the most widely used low explosive?

________ is characterized by extremely rapid oxidation that produces a supersonic shock wave.

The collection and preservation of arson evidence should include all ________ materials such as wood flooring,rags,rugs,and upholstery.

What is the major advantage of using the vapor concentration technique with gas chromatography?

A(n)________ fuse consists of black powder wrapped in a fabric or plastic casing and is used to carry a flame at a uniform rate to an explosive charge.

Which is a homemade explosive that has been used by terrorist organizations in the Middle East?

Wood is a poor insulator.

What is radiation?

Hydrocarbon accelerants can be detected by:

A(n)________ is a device used to create an explosion needed to ignite a high explosive.

At a fire scene,what characteristics should an investigator look for to identify the fire's point of origin? What circumstances may affect these characteristics?

Many explosives must have their own source of:

When investigators search a fire scene,the first focus must be on:

What is the concentration at which a vapor-to-fuel mixture in the air is capable of burning?

PETN is the most powerful and popular military explosive.

Low explosives detonate relatively slowly (less than 1,000 meters per second),while high explosives detonate very rapidly (from 1,000 to 8,500 meters per second).

Single-base smokeless powder consists of:

The most common igniter is an electrical sparking device.

Match the word in Column 1 to its definition in Column 2.Each answer can only be used once. A)The entire range of possible gas or vapor fuel concentrations in air that are capable of burning B)Any material used to start or sustain a fire C)The decomposition of solid organic matter by heat D)The minimum temperature at which a fuel spontaneously ignites E)A chemical transformation in which heat energy is liberated F)Any compound consisting of only carbon and hydrogen G)A chemical transformation in which heat is absorbed from the surroundings H)The combination of oxygen with other substances to produce new substances I)The ability or potential of a system or material to do work J)Combustion on the surface of a solid fuel in the absence of heat high enough to pyrolyze the fuel K)Rapid combination of oxygen with another substance, accompanied by production of noticeable heat and light L)An offender's pattern of operation M)A fire caused by a natural heat-producing process in the presence of sufficient air and fuel N)The minimum temperature at which a liquid fuel produces enough vapor to burn O)The heat liberated during combustion 1)Accelerant 2)Combustion 3)Flammable range 4)Flash point 5)Ignition temperature 6)Oxidation 7)Spontaneous combustion 8)Endothermic reaction 9)Exothermic reaction 10)Energy 11)Glowing combustion 12)Heat of combustion 13)Hydrocarbon 14)Modus operandi 15)Pyrolysis