Page 9 - Shot In The Dark Bullet Striations

Pre-Lab

Solutions

1. What are the four essentials parts of a cartridge? 5. What is a comparison microscope?
The four parts of a bullet are the bullet, cartridge A comparison microscope allows the
case, gunpowder, and primer. technician to look at two bullets at the same
time, thus making comparison an easier
process.
2. How is ballistic imaging a useful forensic
technique?
Forensic technicians can link a bullet 6. Why do investigators look for the cartridge
component to a specific gun in order to link case at the scene of the crime?
crimes together, or link a specific gun to a crime. Cartridge cases provide more accurate
evidence as they are usually less damaged
than the bullets and are more likely to be
3. How does a bullet receive striations when it is preserved.
fired?
The bullet travels along the barrel and comes
into contact with the spiral grooves along the 7. What is the typical controlled
barrel. These grooves cut into the side of the environment for firing a bullet to examine
bullets and scratch its surface. the striations?
The controlled environment is usually a tank of
water designed to slow down a bullet.
4. What are lands and grooves?
Lands are raised surfaces, and grooves are
scratches

THE MYSTERY OF LYLE AND LOUISE 9