Do not write on this.
Study Questions – Ch. 13: Forensic Investigation of Explosives
Any time you write your answers on a separate sheet of paper, you will need to do one of two things
 Copy the question exactly as stated on the worksheet then write your answer. Your answer
does not need to be in a complete sentence.
 Or, restate the question in your answer. This needs to be in a complete sentence.
1. Explain how shrapnel is created when a bomb explodes by discussing what produces the
violent physical disruption of the surrounding environment in an explosion.
2. What is an oxidizing agent and why is it important to an explosion?
3. What characteristic of an explosive determines whether it is classified as a low explosive or a
high explosive? How is this reflected in the type of pressure wave produced by the explosive?
4. Name two types of low explosives and their ingredients.
5. Why does black powder not explode unless it is ignited in a confined area?
6. What are primary explosives and what are they used for?
7. What is the most common type of detonator?
8. What role does ammonium nitrate play in water gels, emulsions, and ANFO explosives?
9. What device is widely used to screen objects for the presence of explosive residues?
10. In what liquid does a forensic scientist rinse debris recovered from an explosion site and why?
11. For explosive residues that might be found in debris, list three common screening procedures
and two confirmatory tests.
12. What type of materials can be identified using X-ray diffraction?
13. What are taggants and how are they used to identify explosives?