B-Hoow+does+infrared+spectroscopy+help+in+criminal+investigaions?

__//**Britany Cole-Wednesday November 10 2010 **//__ 
 * Infrared spectroscopy is a method for the identification of substances based on their absorption of infrared wavelengths.
 * It is a study of how the molecules of substances can absorb infrared radiation and transform it into heat.
 * Infrared spectroscopy can be performed by using a machine that applies infrared rays to a substance. The job of the machine, called an infrared spectrometer, is to record the number of wavelengths absorbed by a substance.
 * Infrared spectrometers permit chemists to obtain absorption spectra of compounds that are a unique reflection of their molecular structure.
 * The frequency scale on inrared spedtrometers is given in units of reciprocal centimeters (cm-1) rather than Hz, because the numbers are more manageable.

__**Forensic Analysis and Crime Investigation**__
 * Since infrared spectroscopy is useful for the identification and confirmation of the identity of materials and substances, the method is beneficial to the field of forensic analysis.
 * With the aid of integrated computer databases and machines capable of performing infrared spectroscopy, almost any substance or material can be identified. Computer databases have records of known infrared absorbance graphs.
 * Infrared spectroscopy plays an important in crime investigation because it can help authorities to solve crimes and locate criminal offenders. The evidence gathered from the scene of the crime can be examined closely with the use this method. The results can provide clues to a criminal's whereabouts.
 * As an example, infrared spectroscopy can be used to find a car model by simply subjecting a paint chip to infrared spectroscopy.

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//**__Bibliography __**//
 * Forensic Science. (n.d.). Chemistry. Retrieved November 2, 2010, from []
 * Infrared Spectroscopy. (n.d.). Michigan State University :: Department of Chemistry. Retrieved November 2, 2010, from [|http://www2.chemistry.msu.edu]
 * Infrared Spectroscopy. (n.d.). Polymer Science Learning Center. Retrieved November 2, 2010, from []