UF PHA6936 Final Exam Prep Latest Update 2026
1. What is the primary purpose of Solid Phase Extraction in forensic science?
To isolate and purify analytes from a sample.
To enhance the visibility of fingerprints.
To analyze blood spatter patterns.
To determine the presence of drugs in a sample.
2. If a forensic scientist is analyzing a mixture of compounds using Thin Layer
Chromatography and needs to separate polar compounds effectively, which
system should they choose and why?
They should choose a normal phase system because it uses a polar
stationary phase that interacts well with polar compounds.
They should choose a gas chromatography system as it is better for
separating mixtures.
They should choose a reverse-phase system because it is more
efficient for all types of compounds.
They should choose a normal phase system because it uses a non-
polar stationary phase that separates non-polar compounds.
3. If a forensic scientist is analyzing a DNA sample and finds that it is primarily
composed of nucleotides, what implications does this have for understanding
genetic information?
It means the sample is not suitable for analysis.
It suggests that the sample is contaminated with proteins.
It implies that the sample is primarily made of carbohydrates.
, It indicates that the sample contains the genetic code necessary for
identifying individuals.
4. What database is used to identify individuals by fingerprint?
AFIS
NICS
ViCAP
NCIC
5. Describe the factors that contribute to the challenges of conducting gunshot
residue (GSR) testing.
Factors include the need for advanced technology and the rarity of
GSR.
Factors include the potential for contamination, the short time
frame for accurate detection, and environmental influences.
Factors include the simplicity of the testing process and the
abundance of GSR.
Factors include the high cost of testing and the limited number of
samples.
6. In a drug testing scenario, if a laboratory receives a sample with an unknown
concentration of a drug, how would the use of Standard Solutions assist in
determining the concentration of the drug in the sample?
By comparing the sample's response to that of the Standard
Solutions, the concentration can be quantified.
By using Standard Solutions to create a new sample for testing.
By relying solely on visual inspection of the sample.
, By discarding the sample if it does not match any Standard Solution.
7. What is the effect on a fracture line in glass when it intersects with another
fracture line?
The new fracture line continues through the pre-existing fracture line.
The glass shatters completely.
The pre-existing fracture line disappears.
The new fracture line terminates at the pre-existing fracture line.
8. In a drug testing scenario, if a laboratory fails to include a positive control,
what potential issue could arise?
Improved reliability of the test
Faster processing times
Increased detection of drugs
Inaccurate test results
9. Describe the process of rigor mortis and its significance in forensic science.
Rigor mortis occurs immediately after death and lasts for several days.
Rigor mortis is the stiffening of muscles after death, typically
starting within a few hours and becoming fully developed around 12
hours post mortem, which helps forensic scientists estimate the time
of death.
Rigor mortis is the process of decomposition that begins after death.
Rigor mortis is the relaxation of muscles after death, indicating the
time of death.
, 10. What is the name of the test performed on firearms to assess the likelihood
of accidental discharge?
Ballistics test
Firing pin test
Functionality test
Drop test
11. What is the role of pH in the absorption of drugs in the body?
It affects the ionization of drugs.
It determines the drug's molecular weight.
It influences the drug's solubility in water.
It has no effect on drug absorption.
12. What is the primary difference in behavior between polar and non-polar
compounds during extraction?
Polar compounds do not dissolve in any solvents, while non-polar
compounds dissolve in all solvents.
Polar compounds are always solid, while non-polar compounds are
always liquid.
Polar compounds tend to dissolve in polar solvents, while non-
polar compounds dissolve in non-polar solvents.
Polar compounds are heavier than non-polar compounds.
13. If a forensic scientist is analyzing a mixture of drugs using TLC and finds that
the mobile phase is too polar, what might be the expected outcome on the
TLC plate?
1. What is the primary purpose of Solid Phase Extraction in forensic science?
To isolate and purify analytes from a sample.
To enhance the visibility of fingerprints.
To analyze blood spatter patterns.
To determine the presence of drugs in a sample.
2. If a forensic scientist is analyzing a mixture of compounds using Thin Layer
Chromatography and needs to separate polar compounds effectively, which
system should they choose and why?
They should choose a normal phase system because it uses a polar
stationary phase that interacts well with polar compounds.
They should choose a gas chromatography system as it is better for
separating mixtures.
They should choose a reverse-phase system because it is more
efficient for all types of compounds.
They should choose a normal phase system because it uses a non-
polar stationary phase that separates non-polar compounds.
3. If a forensic scientist is analyzing a DNA sample and finds that it is primarily
composed of nucleotides, what implications does this have for understanding
genetic information?
It means the sample is not suitable for analysis.
It suggests that the sample is contaminated with proteins.
It implies that the sample is primarily made of carbohydrates.
, It indicates that the sample contains the genetic code necessary for
identifying individuals.
4. What database is used to identify individuals by fingerprint?
AFIS
NICS
ViCAP
NCIC
5. Describe the factors that contribute to the challenges of conducting gunshot
residue (GSR) testing.
Factors include the need for advanced technology and the rarity of
GSR.
Factors include the potential for contamination, the short time
frame for accurate detection, and environmental influences.
Factors include the simplicity of the testing process and the
abundance of GSR.
Factors include the high cost of testing and the limited number of
samples.
6. In a drug testing scenario, if a laboratory receives a sample with an unknown
concentration of a drug, how would the use of Standard Solutions assist in
determining the concentration of the drug in the sample?
By comparing the sample's response to that of the Standard
Solutions, the concentration can be quantified.
By using Standard Solutions to create a new sample for testing.
By relying solely on visual inspection of the sample.
, By discarding the sample if it does not match any Standard Solution.
7. What is the effect on a fracture line in glass when it intersects with another
fracture line?
The new fracture line continues through the pre-existing fracture line.
The glass shatters completely.
The pre-existing fracture line disappears.
The new fracture line terminates at the pre-existing fracture line.
8. In a drug testing scenario, if a laboratory fails to include a positive control,
what potential issue could arise?
Improved reliability of the test
Faster processing times
Increased detection of drugs
Inaccurate test results
9. Describe the process of rigor mortis and its significance in forensic science.
Rigor mortis occurs immediately after death and lasts for several days.
Rigor mortis is the stiffening of muscles after death, typically
starting within a few hours and becoming fully developed around 12
hours post mortem, which helps forensic scientists estimate the time
of death.
Rigor mortis is the process of decomposition that begins after death.
Rigor mortis is the relaxation of muscles after death, indicating the
time of death.
, 10. What is the name of the test performed on firearms to assess the likelihood
of accidental discharge?
Ballistics test
Firing pin test
Functionality test
Drop test
11. What is the role of pH in the absorption of drugs in the body?
It affects the ionization of drugs.
It determines the drug's molecular weight.
It influences the drug's solubility in water.
It has no effect on drug absorption.
12. What is the primary difference in behavior between polar and non-polar
compounds during extraction?
Polar compounds do not dissolve in any solvents, while non-polar
compounds dissolve in all solvents.
Polar compounds are always solid, while non-polar compounds are
always liquid.
Polar compounds tend to dissolve in polar solvents, while non-
polar compounds dissolve in non-polar solvents.
Polar compounds are heavier than non-polar compounds.
13. If a forensic scientist is analyzing a mixture of drugs using TLC and finds that
the mobile phase is too polar, what might be the expected outcome on the
TLC plate?
