chemical testing and analysis

• Analytical chemistry is a useful avenue to provide the qualitative and quantitative

  identification of an unknown sample in various forensic science disciplines

  through various techniques.

  Analytical Chemistry in Forensic Toxicology

  Analytical Chemistry in Arson

  Analytical Chemistry in Drug Analysis

  Analytical Chemistry in Trace Evidence
• When an ionic compound is dissolved in a solution, it is broken up into the cation

  (metal ion) and anion (non-metal ion) that makes up the compound
• The flame test is used to visually determine the identity of an unknown

  metal or metalloid ion based on the characteristic color the salt turns the

  flame of a Bunsen burner.

  The heat of the flame excites the electrons of the metals ions, causing

  them to emit visible light.
• Every element has a signature emission spectrum that can be used to

  differentiate between one element and another.
• Precipitation reactions occur when cations and anions in aqueous

  solution combine to form an insoluble ionic solid called a precipitate.

  Whether or not such a reaction occurs can be determined by using

  the solubility rules for common ionic solids.

  The ability to predict these reactions allows scientists to determine

  which ions are present in a solution, and allows industries to form

  chemicals by extracting components from these reactions.