1. In a forensic investigation, what is the primary reason for analyzing a suspect's chemical supply list?
- A. To determine the total cost of the chemicals purchased.
- B. To see if they had the specific raw materials needed for a particular chemical reaction.
- C. To check if the suspect was properly licensed to handle dangerous substances.
- D. To identify which chemicals on the list are the most flammable.
2. An investigator finds that a suspect's supply list includes a strong acid and a potent base, but neither is a known reactant for producing the specific toxic substance found at a crime scene. What is the most logical conclusion?
- A. The suspect is definitely guilty because they possess dangerous chemicals.
- B. The investigator should assume the suspect used a different, unknown chemical reaction.
- C. The supply list does not provide evidence linking the suspect to the production of the specific toxic substance, as the necessary starting materials are absent.
- D. The suspect is likely innocent because the chemicals they have are common in many labs.
3. Why is possessing the necessary chemicals for a harmful reaction not, by itself, conclusive proof that a person committed a crime?
- A. The chemicals might have been purchased for a legitimate, unrelated purpose.
- B. Chemical supply lists are often inaccurate or forged.
- C. Most dangerous chemicals expire quickly and become harmless.
- D. The chemicals could have been stolen from the suspect.
4. In the context of creating a new substance, what scientific term describes the "raw materials" or starting ingredients required for a chemical reaction?
- A. Catalysts
- B. Products
- C. Reactants
- D. Solvents
5. A forensic chemist is trying to link a suspect to a synthesized poison. What is the crucial connection they must establish between the suspect's chemical supply list and the poison itself?
- A. Proving the suspect purchased the chemicals in cash to avoid a paper trail.
- B. Confirming the supplier who sold the chemicals is a reputable dealer.
- C. Showing that the chemicals on the list are the known reactants that produce the poison as a product.
- D. Demonstrating that the chemicals on the list are more expensive than the poison.
6. At a high-tech lab, a thief steals a silicon wafer stored in a sealed glass display case. Investigators notice the glass lock mechanism has been cleanly dissolved. Which chemical was most likely used in the robbery?
- A. Acetone
- B. Bleach
- C. Hydrofluoric acid
- D. Concentrated salt water
7. A chemist has three strong acids. Two are in standard glass bottles, but the third is in a specially-lined polyethylene plastic bottle. What is the most probable reason for this difference in storage?
- A. The third acid is less dangerous than the other two acids.
- B. The plastic bottle was significantly cheaper to purchase than a glass one.
- C. The third acid is known to react with and dissolve glass.
- D. The third acid must be protected from exposure to sunlight.
8. What is a fundamental principle used in forensic science to identify an unknown substance found at a crime scene?
- A. Determining the total monetary value of the substance.
- B. Comparing its unique physical and chemical properties to those of known substances.
- C. Measuring the volume of the substance remaining after the incident.
- D. Assuming the substance is harmless until proven otherwise.
9. A crime scene investigator finds a liquid that has visibly etched a pattern into a glass window. Which property of the liquid is most critical for its identification in this scenario?
- A. Its color
- B. Its density
- C. Its corrosive effect on glass
- D. Its electrical conductivity
10. While most strong acids can be safely stored in glass containers, which of the following substances is a notable exception due to its ability to dissolve glass?
- A. Sulfuric acid
- B. Hydrochloric acid
- C. Nitric acid
- D. Hydrofluoric acid