Forensic Science & Analysis Flashcards
7 cards from real CPI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Forensic Science & Analysis flashcards as text
In forensic structural analysis, a 'ductile failure' in steel members is distinguished from 'brittle failure' by which characteristic?
Answer: Ductile failure involves significant deformation and elongation before fracture
Ductile failure in steel is characterized by necking and significant plastic deformation before fracture, whereas brittle failure occurs suddenly with minimal deformation.
A forensic CPI inspector is tasked with determining the point of origin in a wildfire that spread to a residential structure. Which fire behavior indicator is most useful for this determination?
Answer: Charring depth and angle of char on trees and fence posts indicating the fire's direction of travel
Char angle and depth on vertical objects (trees, posts) show the direction fire traveled, with deeper char on the side facing the origin, allowing back-tracking to the point of origin.
In forensic photography documentation of a crime or incident scene, what is the correct sequence for capturing photographic evidence?
Answer: Overall/overview, mid-range, then close-up with and without scale
Standard forensic photography follows overview to mid-range to close-up sequence, with close-ups taken both with and without a scale marker for accurate size reference.
Which microscopic analysis method is best suited for comparing hair samples in forensic evidence examination?
Answer: Comparison light microscopy examining medulla, cortex, and cuticle characteristics
Comparison light microscopy allows simultaneous side-by-side examination of hair characteristics including medullary pattern, cortical pigmentation, and cuticle scale structure.
A CPI inspector finds that insulation in a wall cavity has been recently replaced while the surrounding materials show long-term aging. This finding most likely indicates:
Answer: A possible attempt to conceal prior water intrusion, mold, or damage evidence
Selectively replaced insulation inconsistent with surrounding material age is a red flag for concealment of defects, water damage, or mold that preceded the current inspection.
In arson investigation, what is the forensic significance of finding a 'trailer' at a fire scene?
Answer: A trailer is a combustible material laid to carry fire from one location to another, indicating incendiary intent
A trailer is an intentionally placed combustible material (rope, paper, accelerant-soaked material) used to spread fire between rooms or areas, which is a strong indicator of arson.
When forensic testing of drywall reveals elevated levels of sulfur compounds, what building health concern does this primarily indicate?
Answer: Defective Chinese drywall that can off-gas corrosive sulfur compounds damaging metals and causing health issues
Defective drywall, primarily imported from China between 2001-2009, is known to emit hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur gases that corrode copper wiring and cause respiratory symptoms.