Forensic Science

Refractive Index

A measure of how much light slows down and bends when entering a material.

What is dispersion in optics?

The separation of light into its component colors due to varying refractive indices for different wavelengths.

Photon

A packet of energy that light carries, behaving as both a wave and particle.

Flotation Method

A technique for identifying glass by its density.

What are the wave properties of light?

Characteristics such as wavelength and frequency that describe how light behaves as a wave.

Becke Line Test

A forensic method where a bright halo appears around a glass fragment under a microscope when its refractive index matches that of the liquid.

Crown Glass

A type of glass used in windows, characterized by a lower refractive index than flint glass.

Frequency (f) Formula

The formula is f = c / λ where c is the speed of light.

Visible Light

The part of the electromagnetic spectrum that humans can see, ranging from 400-700 nm.

What is the formula for refractive index?

n = c / v, where v is the speed of light in the material.

How does light behave when it refracts?

It changes speed and direction as it enters a different medium.

What is laser light?

Coherent, monochromatic light produced by a laser, meaning all light waves are in sync and of a single wavelength.

Tempered Glass

Glass that is stronger due to rapid cooling, commonly used in car windows.

What is the role of UV light in forensics?

UV light is used to analyze evidence such as blood spatter and fingerprints.

Laminated Glass

Glass that has plastic layers to prevent shattering, commonly used in windshields.

What is the significance of trace elemental composition analysis?

It helps forensic scientists identify unique trace elements in glass samples to match evidence with sources.

Sequence Of Impact

A fracture always terminates at an existing line of fracture

Backscatter

When glass breaks, most of the pieces fly forward, however some can be projected backwards