How is chromatography used in forensic science?

Answer 1

Chromatography is an analytical method to separate a mixture into different components based on their chemical properties. In one form of chromatography, a liquid or gaseous mixture is passed through a tube containing a "stationary phase" (column chromatography). For gasses, this usually means coating the walls of a thin tube with the stationary phase. For liquids, it usually involves something that looks more like sand or powder. If the composition of the stationary phase is chosen correctly, the different components in the mixture will absorb and desorb from the stationary phase at different rates. Some will pass through quickly because they don't absorb very well into the stationary phase and desorb quickly while others pass through slowly as they get absorbed easily and desorb slowly. As a consequence, the different components come out the other end at different times. The amount of each is determined by some kind of detector.

A second kind of chromatography is a bit like the liquid chromatography described above, except drops of the mixture are placed at one end of a sheet of paper or a sheet of glass coated with a stationary phase. A solvent is then applied to one end of the sheet and slowly carries the mixture with it to the other end of the sheet. the mixture gets separated into its different components with some moving only a short distance from the beginning end and others moving further along the sheet. At the end, the sheet winds up with stripes of the different components at different locations.

In forensics, chromatography can be used to determine what is in a mixture. When people go in for drug tests, their urine may be analyzed using chromatography to determine if they have drugs or drug byproducts in their urine. In forensic pathology, a sample may be analyzed to determine what chemicals are present in the dead body and possibly indicate if there is a poisonous substance present that may have killed them, or whether they were on drugs or drunk at the time of their death. It may also be used to analyze samples taken from crime scenes to find out if any unusual substances are present that might indicate where something came from or where someone may have been prior to entering the crime scene. At airports it can be used to detect minute traces of explosives.

Answer 2

Chromatography is used in forensic science to separate and analyze compounds found in substances like drugs, blood, and fibers. By separating the components of a sample, analysts can identify and compare substances based on their chemical properties and determine if they match those found at a crime scene. This technique is crucial for identifying illicit substances, identifying compounds in trace evidence, and determining the origin of materials.

Answer 3

chromatography is used in forensics to match DNA or any other substance or compound.

Answer 4

They take items from the scene of the crime and make a small smaple out of it. They then put it through chromatopgrahy to see if they can find a DNA match and catch the criminal.

Answer 5

Chromatography can be used in a crime scene investigation to narrow down suspect who owned the type of pen or marker that was found at a crime scene.

Answer 6

Chromatography is a technique for chemical analysis. If an unknown chemical is present at a crime scene, it may be useful to identify it.

Answer 7

We can detect drugs in urine samples