Chemistry Behind Crime

Hopewell Valley Student Podcasting NetworkChemistry ConnectionsEpisode #4  Welcome to Chemistry Connections, my name is Andrew Neal and Isabella Randazzo and I am your host for episode 4 called The Chemistry Behind Crime today we will be discussing forensics science and the chemistry behind it.Segment 1: Introduction to Forensic Science-Forensic Science is defined as scientific tests or techniques used in connection with the detection of crime, forensics can be used in all sorts of crimes including, but not limited to, homicide, theft, and kidnappings. -the US government and justice system rely on forensics and forensic scientists to help solve crimes-some examples of techniques used are - fingerprinting -blood tests -DNA tests -wound studies -bullet entries in body and walls -ectSegment 2: The Chemistry Behind Blood TestingSo what exactly does AP chem have to do with the study of forensics and crime-solving?Blood testingThere are many different challenges that a scientist or investigator might face at a crime scene that might make it difficult to identify blood and find where it came fromThe blood could belong to an animal or a humanThe blood could belong to the unsub and not the victimAll of this said, if blood is found at a crime scene it becomes a crucial part of the investigation, and it's often only found in small amounts so it is important that testing is done properly and effectively. What is blood?Water, plasma and proteins-serums and anti serums/ chemical reactions between them  -Serum: The fluid component of blood that separates from the blood cells when a clot is formed -Antiserum: A combination of antibodies and serum-Kastle Myers Blood Test and chemical reactions- A Kastle Myers blood test is used to determine whether a sample is blood or not. The test uses hydrogen peroxide and phenolphthalin, which is reduced phenolphthalein, and the sample. During the test, the sample, a small amount of distilled water, hydrogen peroxide, and phenolphthalin are mixed inside a test tube. If the sample is blood, then the solution will turn a bright pink color. However, if the sample is not blood, then the solution will remain clear.-The Kastle...