Questions based on Trace Marks Analysis

TRACE MARKS ANALYSIS

Q1. Which technique is most effective in visualizing microscopic striations on toolmarks?

a. Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM)

b. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

c. Comparison Microscope

d. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

ANSWER:

b. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

EXPLANATION:

SEM provides high-resolution images and can capture detailed microscopic striations on toolmarks. While a comparison microscope is useful for side-by-side analysis, SEM offers superior magnification and depth for visualizing fine details.

Q2. Which property of toolmarks allows forensic examiners to differentiate between tools of the same make and model?

a. Class characteristics

b. Unique wear patterns

c. Tool hardness

d. Cutting angle

ANSWER:

b. Unique wear patterns

EXPLANATION:

Even tools of the same make and model develop unique wear patterns over time due to usage. These patterns produce individualized striations or impressions on the material they come into contact with, making them distinguishable.

Q3. Given below are two statements

Statement I: The angle of application of a tool does not affect the resulting toolmark

Statement II: The force applied by the tool determines the depth of the mark, not its angle.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

a. both statement I and II are correct

b. both statement I and II are incorrect

c. Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect

d. Statement I is incorrect but statement II is correct

ANSWER:

b. Both statement I and II are incorrect

EXPLANATION:

The angle of application significantly affects the toolmark's appearance, including its depth and striation pattern.

Both angle and force influence the final toolmark.

Q4. Which casting material is most suitable for lifting toolmarks from irregular surfaces?

a. Dental stone

b. Silicone-based casting material

c. Epoxy resin

d. Plaster of paris

ANSWER:

a. Silicone-based casting material

EXPLANATION:

Silicone-based materials are flexible and can capture fine details, making them ideal for irregular or textured surfaces. They provide accurate reproductions of toolmarks for further analysis.

Q5. How does toolmark analysis differentiate between “compression marks” and “sliding marks”?

a. By measuring the depth of the mark

b. By identifying the type of material deformed

c. By examining the directionality of striations

d. By assessing the tool's angle of application

ANSWER:

c. By examining the directionality of striations

EXPLANATION:

Compression marks are created by direct pressure and lack significant striations, while sliding marks involve movement across the surface, leaving characteristic directional striations.

Q6. Which database is used for the digital comparison of toolmarks and firearm evidence?

a. CODIS

b. AFIS

c. IBIS

d. FISH

ANSWER:

c. IBIS (Integrated Ballistics Identification System)

EXPLANATION:

IBIS is specifically designed for analyzing and comparing ballistic evidence, including toolmarks on bullets and cartridge cases, to identify potential matches across a database.

Q7. Given below are two statements

Statement I: Sliding toolmarks always display continuous striations.

Statement II: Sliding toolmarks are created by the motion of a tool across a surface.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

a. both statement I and II are correct

b. both statement I and II are incorrect

c. Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect

d. Statement I is incorrect but statement II is correct

ANSWER:

d. Statement I is incorrect but statement II is correct

EXPLANATION:

While sliding toolmarks are created by movement, surface irregularities or interruptions during the motion can cause breaks or inconsistencies in the striations.

Q8. Given below are two statements

Statement I: Toolmarks found on soft materials, like wood, are easier to analyze than those on hard surfaces, like metal.

Statement II: Soft materials deform more readily, retaining detailed impressions of the tool's surface.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

a. both statement I and II are correct

b. both statement I and II are incorrect

c. Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect

d. Statement I is incorrect but statement II is correct

ANSWER:

a. Both statement I and II are correct

EXPLANATION:

Soft materials like wood deform under pressure, creating detailed impressions, whereas hard surfaces may produce less distinct marks.

Q9. Given below are two statements

Statement I: Compression toolmarks lack striations.

Statement II: Compression marks are created by pressing a tool directly onto a surface without any movement.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

a. both statement I and II are correct

b. both statement I and II are incorrect

c. Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect

d. Statement I is incorrect but statement II is correct

ANSWER:

a. Both statement I and II are correct

EXPLANATION:

Compression marks result from direct pressure, producing impressions without the sliding motion that creates striations.

Q10. What is the primary mechanism through which a toolmark is transferred onto a surface?

a. Chemical reaction

b. Elastic deformation

c. Plastic deformation

d. Thermal expansion

ANSWER:

c. Plastic deformation

EXPLANATION:

Toolmarks result from plastic deformation, where the material being marked is permanently altered due to the force applied by the tool.

Content Writer:- Bhawana Sharma