Modus Operandi – Criminalistics Quiz

The key terms in this Criminalistics / Forensics course include crater, taggants, Modus Operandi, accelerant examination, search warrant.


A low explosive generally leaves a crater at the scene of the explosion.

True

False


An initiating explosive will not go off due to shock.

True

False


With a high explosive there is a shock wave that is faster than the sound wave, which is called speed of detonation.

True

False


The properties of taggants which allow for them to be detected at an explosion site is that they are:

Magnetic and Radioactive

Fluorescent and Radioactive

Magnetic and Fluorescent

Emit light signals


An explosion is a chemical or mechanical action caused by combustion, accompanied by the creation of heat and rapid expansion of gases.

True

False


Modus Operandi is an offender’s pattern of operation.

True

False


The place or places where a fire is suspected of starting at is called the _________.

Point of Origin(s)

Flame Point(s)

Spontaneous Combustion Point(s)

Fire Point(s)


An immediate search of a fire scene can commence without obtaining a search warrant.

True

False


A low explosive generally leaves a crater at the scene of the explosion.

True

False


An initiating explosive will not go off due to shock.

True

False


With a high explosive there is a shock wave that is faster than the sound wave, which is called speed of detonation.

True

False


The properties of taggants which allow for them to be detected at an explosion site is that they are:

Magnetic and Radioactive

Fluorescent and Radioactive

Magnetic and Fluorescent

Emit light signals


An explosion is a chemical or mechanical action caused by combustion, accompanied by the creation of heat and rapid expansion of gases.

True

False


Without the presence of an accelerant it is not possible to demonstrate that an arson took place.

True

False


One of the purposes of doing an accelerant examination on fire debris samples is to help prove that a crime occurred, that it was a set fire.

True

False