The White powder.

                             White powder test?

Become a Forensic Chemist by following these procedures and filling in the Powder Analysis Chart with your results. 

Complete the appearance, texture, and smell activities before opening the vinegar and iodine bottles.

Record your findings in the Powder Analysis Chart below.

Aim: To determine how different powders feel, look and react to other substances.

A forensic scientist may discover powder at a crime scene. In order to determine if it is illegal or not the crime lab will identify the substance using chemistry. Take on the role of a forensic chemist to identify unknown substances.

Powder Analysis Chart

Substance          Appearance   Texture    Smell     Water   Iodine

Cornflour                    Large    Course Fine    Strong     Gooey      Turned Black
  Sugar                       Small           Smooth       Sweet    Devolved      Sat there

Salt                          Small           Rough         salty      Devolved        Sat there

Baking soda              Small            Rough        Strong     Devolved          Sticky

Comparing test results of substances that are known help Forensic Scientists identify unknown substances.

Aim

Aim: To determine how different powders feel, look and react to other substances.

Hypothesis: 

Equipment:

Baking Soda
Cornflour
Sugar
Salt
Iodine
Magnifying glass
Black card
Tea spoon / stick

Method: 

1. Place one-fourth teaspoon (1 ml) of the four white powders on a sheet of black construction paper. Label the powders with your pen.
2. Study the powders with the magnifying glass. Examine what each powder looks like. How would you describe the powder's shape. Does it have large or small grains? Your observations should be written in the appearance column of the chart.
3. Examine the powders further by rubbing each powder between your fingers. Describe how each powder feels in the Texture column of the chart.
4. Determine if there is a smell to any of the powders. Record your findings in the Smell column of the chart.
5. the eyedropper and place a drop of water on each individual powder. Examine what happens? Do the powders dissolve? Is there a reaction? Write your observations in the Reaction to Water column.
6. Place one-half teaspoon (2ml) of each powder in a separate jar. Add 2 drops of iodine to each jar using the eyedropper. Record what happens in the Reaction to Iodine column. Iodine should be handled with care.