Forensics?

[iwtban]

I have never flame tested with a candle, is it much different? Obviously, the flame is less strong but is there anything else notable?

Density tests should work.... make sure you stir the pellets to get rid of the surface tension.

I don't think you can see the color, like LiCl with a reddish color when you use candle. The flame is not strong enough

[adam124218]

You can definitely see color for LiCl and KCl in a candle. I've really only ever used candles and we do just fine. You can't really see the green flame for boric acid and the calciums won't burn red, but that doesn't matter that much.

[dudeincolorado]

would calcium nitrate show up well?

[superjenius]

would calcium nitrate show up well?

from a candle's flame? the last time i did it (with a candle) i was unable to see total orange; i used a piece of cobalt blue glass (for the first and last time) to make sure.

[dudeincolorado]

But you could still see the orangeness right?

[superjenius]

with the glass: it was a definite orange
without it: yellowish orange
but yeah...to directly answer your obvious yes or no question: Yes, I could still see the orange.

[detectiveJ]

did anyone do Forensics this year that did it last year? does anyone agree with me that this year's test was easier than last years?

[ravensrunner14]

do you have any advice for a first timer?
we've studied some stuff but kinda just winging it.
please offer any advice you can! thanks :]

[dudeincolorado]

You're in B and doing forensics? Could you be looking for science crimebusters?

[ravensrunner14]

nope it's forensics. i'm almost positivie we're division B. and that is one of the events i'm in...

[dudeincolorado]

Ok, while is would know my powders, polymers and such inside and out thats worth about 50% of the event; I would also learn how to write good crime essays seeing that they are worth 25% so if you just do those two thats about 75% of the event write there. The rest is like match a fingerprint and do chromatography which if it come down to it you can wing it.

[Flavorflav]

nope it's forensics. i'm almost positivie we're division B. and that is one of the events i'm in...

Division B does not do Forensics, you do Crimebusters, which is very similar but not the same. Unless your region is doing something really weird.

What grade are you in? Are you competing with a middle school team or a high school team?

[ravensrunner14]

ok. i found out that i am in division C. i got confused.
so you said know your polymers and stuff like that?
i'm super nervous..i've never competed like this.
i hope it isn't too hard.
anymore advice?

[detectiveJ]

its okay. basically just know your powders! thats like the most important thing. check the soinc.org website for tips and stuff. are you competing for regionals?

[dyt]

What do you use cobalt glass for? We need help please!:]