Types of Physical Evidence: Classification and Identification

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of the rifling inside a firearm's barrel?

Accepted Answer

To increase the accuracy of the bullet by inducing spin

Answer

To reduce friction between the bullet and the barrel

Answer

To create a unique fingerprint on the bullet

Answer

To increase the velocity of the bullet

Question 2

Which of the following is not a type of footwear impression?

Accepted Answer

Vehicle tire tread

Answer

Slip-on

Answer

Barefoot

Answer

Lace-up

Question 3

Which technique is used to detect the presence of blood at a crime scene?

Accepted Answer

Luminol

Answer

Gunpowder residue test

Answer

Fingerprint powder

Answer

DNA analysis

Question 4

Which characteristic of tool mark evidence is significant for forensic analysis?

Accepted Answer

Its potential to be unique to a specific tool

Answer

Its high visibility to the naked eye

Answer

Its exclusive presence on firearms

Answer

Its ease of collection and preservation

Question 5

What is the significance of distinguishing between class characteristics and individual characteristics of physical evidence?

Accepted Answer

Class characteristics categorize evidence, while individual characteristics distinguish specific items

Answer

Class characteristics are more specific than individual characteristics

Answer

Individual characteristics are only found on firearm evidence

Answer

Class characteristics are not reliable for identification

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT considered a type of trace evidence?

Accepted Answer

Bite marks

Answer

Fibers

Answer

Glass

Answer

DNA

Question 7

Which type of impression evidence is primarily used to identify specific individuals?

Accepted Answer

Fingerprints

Answer

Shoe prints

Answer

Tire tracks

Answer

Bite marks

Question 8

What is the key distinction between class characteristics and individual characteristics in forensic science?

Accepted Answer

Class characteristics are common to a group, while individual characteristics are unique to each person.

Answer

Individual characteristics are common to a group, while class characteristics are unique to each person.

Answer

Class characteristics are less reliable than individual characteristics.

Answer

There is no distinction between class and individual characteristics.

Question 9

What is the primary role of a forensic scientist in a criminal investigation?

Accepted Answer

To collect and analyze physical evidence.

Answer

To conduct witness interviews.

Answer

To make arrests and detain suspects.

Answer

To present expert testimony in court.

Question 10

How does the examination and analysis of different types of physical evidence enhance the thoroughness and accuracy of crime scene investigations?

Accepted Answer

Each physical evidence type offers unique insights into the sequence of events at a crime scene.

Answer

All physical evidence types hold equal importance in every investigation.

Answer

Physical evidence analysis is solely necessary for high-profile crimes.

Answer

Anyone can competently examine and analyze physical evidence without specialized training.

Question 11

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures related to the collection of physical evidence?

Accepted Answer

Fourth Amendment

Answer

First Amendment

Answer

Fifth Amendment

Answer

Eighth Amendment

Question 12

Which method is commonly used for enhancing latent fingerprints at a crime scene?

Accepted Answer

Cyanoacrylate fuming

Answer

Ninhydrin solution

Answer

Alternate light source

Answer

Luminol spray

Question 13

What type of impression is created when an object comes into contact with a softer surface and leaves an imprint?

Accepted Answer

Contact impression

Answer

Friction ridge impression

Answer

Toolmark impression

Answer

Bite mark impression

Question 14

A latent fingerprint is:

Accepted Answer

An invisible fingerprint detectable only through special techniques

Answer

A visible fingerprint

Answer

An invisible fingerprint detectable with the naked eye

Answer

A fingerprint left on a non-porous surface

Question 15

Classify the following physical evidence into their respective categories: torn clothing, shell casing, fingerprint.

Accepted Answer

Transfer Evidence: Torn clothing

Accepted Answer

Impression Evidence: Fingerprint

Accepted Answer

Ballistics Evidence: Shell casing

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT considered trace evidence?

Accepted Answer

Fingerprints

Answer

Fibers

Answer

Hair

Answer

Glass fragments

Question 17

When collecting a firearm as evidence, what should be done first?

Accepted Answer

Unload and clear the firearm

Answer

Take photographs of the firearm

Answer

Measure the firearm and its components

Answer

Identify and mark the firearm's serial number

Question 18

What is the primary use of a spectrophotometer in forensic science?

Accepted Answer

Analyzing the chemical composition of a substance

Answer

Estimating the age of a bloodstain

Answer

Identifying the type of accelerant used in arson

Answer

Comparing the DNA profiles of two individuals

Question 19

Which type of physical evidence is most frequently encountered at crime scenes?

Accepted Answer

Trace evidence

Answer

Impressions

Answer

Firearms

Answer

Documents

Question 20

Which type of trace evidence is primarily utilized for DNA identification?

Accepted Answer

Biological evidence

Answer

Physical evidence

Answer

Chemical evidence

Answer

Digital evidence

Question 21

Identify the type of impression used to analyze footwear patterns.

Accepted Answer

Shoe prints

Answer

Tool marks

Answer

Bite marks

Answer

Tire tracks

Question 22

Classify a long gun.

Accepted Answer

Rifle

Answer

Revolver

Answer

Shotgun

Answer

Pistol

Question 23

Which method is NOT used to preserve physical evidence?

Accepted Answer

Storing in a paper bag

Answer

Documenting with photographs and notes

Answer

Preserving in a cool, dry environment

Answer

Vacuum sealing

Question 24

Name the technology used to analyze firearms for ballistics.

Accepted Answer

Rifling identification

Answer

Fingerprint analysis

Answer

DNA testing

Answer

Tool mark analysis

Question 25

Which category of physical evidence is particularly challenging to recover from crime scenes due to its intangible nature?

Accepted Answer

Electronic Evidence

Answer

Biological Evidence

Answer

Physical Evidence

Answer

Chemical Evidence

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a primary category of physical evidence in forensic science?

Accepted Answer

Digital Evidence

Answer

Biological Evidence

Answer

Trace Evidence

Answer

Impression Evidence

Question 27

Which of the following is considered a form of trace evidence commonly found at crime scenes?

Accepted Answer

Fibers

Answer

Fingerprints

Answer

Ballistics Impressions

Answer

Bloodstains

Question 28

What type of physical evidence is used to match a weapon to a specific crime?

Accepted Answer

Ballistics Impressions

Answer

DNA

Answer

Latent Prints

Answer

Shoe Prints

Question 29

Which of the following is not classified as impression evidence?

Accepted Answer

Digital Evidence

Answer

Bite Marks

Answer

Tool Marks

Answer

Footprints

Question 30

What is the primary method for preserving bodily fluids such as blood and saliva as evidence?

Accepted Answer

Refrigeration or Freezing

Answer

Drying

Answer

Exposure to Sunlight

Answer

Heat Treatment

Question 31

Which type of evidence is most valuable for determining an individual's age?

Accepted Answer

Dental Records

Answer

Bullet Casings

Answer

Shoe Prints

Answer

Clothing

Question 32

What is the primary goal of analyzing physical evidence in criminal investigations?

Accepted Answer

To support or refute claims made in the case

Answer

To generate media attention

Answer

To entertain the jury

Answer

To prove guilt or innocence beyond a reasonable doubt

Question 33

Which of the following characteristics is commonly associated with trace evidence?

Accepted Answer

Often overlooked or invisible to the naked eye

Answer

Easily collected and analyzed in the field

Answer

Exclusively found in high-profile or violent crimes

Answer

Always present at every crime scene

Question 34

Why is maintaining the chain of custody crucial for physical evidence?

Accepted Answer

To preserve its integrity and ensure its authenticity throughout the investigation and trial

Answer

To expedite the investigation process

Answer

To prevent any possibility of tampering with the evidence

Question 35

Which type of physical evidence is typically found in the greatest quantity and variety at crime scenes?

Accepted Answer

Trace evidence

Answer

Biological evidence

Answer

Impression evidence

Answer

Firearms evidence

Question 36

Which of the following is a distinctive feature of impression evidence?

Accepted Answer

It is created when an object comes into contact with another surface, leaving an imprint or mark.

Answer

It is highly resistant to environmental changes and can endure extreme temperatures and moisture without being compromised.

Answer

It is always visible to the naked eye and does not require specialized techniques to detect.

Question 37

What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes trace evidence from other types of physical evidence?

Accepted Answer

Its small size and often inconspicuous nature, making it easily overlooked or difficult to detect without specialized equipment.

Answer

Its durability and resistance to degradation, ensuring its longevity for extended periods without diminishing its forensic significance.

Answer

Its high evidentiary value and ability to provide conclusive proof of a suspect's involvement in a crime.

Question 38

Which type of impression evidence is considered unique to each individual and is commonly used for personal identification?

Accepted Answer

Fingerprint

Answer

Bite mark

Answer

Tire track

Answer

Footprint

Question 39

Which type of trace evidence has the potential to provide insights into a person's geographic origin or recent whereabouts?

Accepted Answer

Soil

Answer

Glass

Answer

Fibers

Answer

Hair

Question 40

Which type of physical evidence is primarily used to establish an individual's biological identity?

Accepted Answer

Biological evidence

Answer

Impression evidence

Answer

Digital evidence

Answer

Trace evidence

Question 41

Which type of physical evidence is commonly found at crime scenes involving illegal substances like drugs or explosives?

Accepted Answer

Trace evidence

Answer

Documentary evidence

Answer

Firearm evidence

Answer

Biological evidence

Question 42

Impression evidence helps identify unique markings left on surfaces. Which of the following is NOT considered a type of impression evidence?

Accepted Answer

Handwriting

Answer

Dental impressions

Answer

Footprints

Answer

Fingerprints

Question 43

What type of evidence is characterized by its microscopic size and requires specialized techniques for collection and analysis?

Accepted Answer

Trace evidence

Answer

Firearm evidence

Answer

Biological evidence

Answer

Weapon evidence

Question 44

In a murder investigation, which type of physical evidence can help identify the victim?

Accepted Answer

Biological evidence

Answer

Trace evidence

Answer

Documentary evidence

Answer

Firearm evidence

Question 45

What is a crucial step in the handling of physical evidence that ensures its integrity for analysis?

Accepted Answer

Preservation

Answer

Interpretation

Answer

Storage

Answer

Collection

Question 46

Besides cartridge cases and projectiles, what else is considered firearm evidence?

Accepted Answer

Gunshot residue (GSR)

Answer

DNA

Answer

Impression

Answer

Fibers

Question 47

Physical evidence can be classified based on its:

Accepted Answer

Physical, chemical, and biological properties

Answer

Time of discovery

Answer

Location of discovery

Answer

Method of collection

Question 48

At a crime scene, a broken window pane is discovered. How should this evidence be classified?

Accepted Answer

Physical Evidence

Answer

Documentary Evidence

Answer

Testimonial Evidence

Answer

Circumstantial Evidence

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of trace evidence?

Accepted Answer

Bulk quantity easily observable

Answer

Can be transferred from suspect to victim or crime scene

Answer

Often requires specialized techniques to collect and analyze

Answer

Can be used to identify individuals or link them to a crime

Question 50

What is the primary objective of analyzing tool mark impressions at a crime scene?

Accepted Answer

To identify the specific tool used in a crime

Answer

To determine the victim's identity

Answer

To reconstruct the sequence of events

Answer

To estimate the time of the crime

Question 51

When collecting biological evidence, the most crucial step to prevent contamination is:

Accepted Answer

Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Answer

Documenting the collection process thoroughly

Answer

Maintaining a sterile work environment

Question 52

Analysis of striations on a bullet recovered from a crime scene primarily reveals:

Accepted Answer

The type of firearm used

Answer

The distance from which the gun was fired

Answer

The victim's blood type

Answer

The suspect's fingerprints

Question 53

An example of latent evidence is:

Accepted Answer

A fingerprint visible only after treatment with powder

Answer

A torn piece of clothing

Answer

A bloody footprint on the floor

Question 54

The primary purpose of a chain of custody document is to:

Accepted Answer

Document the handling and movement of evidence

Answer

Establish the guilt or innocence of the suspect

Answer

Identify potential witnesses

Answer

Preserve the original condition of the evidence

Question 55

Which type of evidence is most commonly analyzed using DNA profiling techniques?

Accepted Answer

Blood

Answer

Tire tracks

Answer

Glass fragments

Answer

Bullet casings

Question 56

Forensic entomologists study insects at crime scenes to determine:

Accepted Answer

Postmortem interval (time since death)

Answer

The cause of death

Answer

The type of poison used

Answer

The suspect's identity

Question 57

When handling a firearm at a crime scene, it is crucial to:

Accepted Answer

Hold it by the grip or checkered areas, avoiding the trigger

Answer

Insert a pencil into the barrel to prevent accidental discharge

Answer

Handle it without gloves to preserve fingerprints