Powder Lab

1. Describe one positive test from Data Table 1.

Powder B (Brogaine) became very hot after the addition of acetic acid, water, and the hot plate. The tiny balls stayed separated and did not dissolve.

2. Was the powder you examined in part B one of the illegal drugs or table salt?

We examined Unknown Sample 1 and we believed that it was Sample C (Rotaran) for a multitude of reasons. For one, it looked like it from the hand lens observation. When we added the vinegar it looked very similar to Sample C, if not exactly the same. One the hot plate nothing happened to it just like Sample C. The other results were also similar.

3. Explain why accuracy is important.

Because in order to get proper results and identify unknown samples you have to have to correct results so your comparisons can be as close to correct as possible. Accuracy is very important especially in working with new samples in forensic science.

4. Explain why Part A was important.

Because Part A lets you find the results for the already known powders for yourself. If we had a data table like that already written out, then it would be hard to make the proper comparisons because they weren't made by us. Part A was even more important to me than the second data table.

Guiding Questions:

What are the methods used by forensic scientists to determine the nature of an unknown substance like white powder?

They perform tests on the unknown substance and compare them to tests on known substances so they can identify which substance or mix of substances it is.

How might this lab be helpful in preparing you for the mission?

Because it not only helps us with identifying powders but with identifying other substances because now we have the necessary knowledge to perform tests in order to determine the identity of other things.