B3.3.1 - Microscopy

Question 1

What is forensic science?

Answer 1

The study of materials and situations related to crime.

Question 2

Why do forensic scientists gather and study evidence?

Answer 2

They gather evidence to use in a court of law.

Question 3

Name the 2 types of microscope used by forensic scientists.

Answer 3

1. Light microscope

2. Electron microscope.

Question 4

What is meant by magnification?

Answer 4

How many times bigger a microscope image appears compared to the real object.

Question 5

What is meant by resolution?

Answer 5

The ability of a microscope to distinguish between 2 close together objects.

Question 6

What is the radiation source of a light microscope?

Answer 6

Light

Question 7

What is the radiation source of an electron microscope?

Answer 7

Electrons

Question 8

What is the total magnification of light microscopes?

Answer 8

x 1, 000

Question 9

What is the total magnification of electron microscopes?

Answer 9

x1, 000, 000

Question 10

Is the image seen down a light microscope a colour or black and white image?

Answer 10

Colour

Question 11

Is the image seen down an electron microscope a colour or black and white image?

Answer 11

Black and white

Question 12

What sort of samples will forensic scientists look at under a microscope to identify a criminal suspect?

Answer 12

Hairs
Fibres
Paint flecks
Pollen grains
Soil