Powder Lab

1. What are the methods that are used by forensic scientists to determine the nature of an unknown substance (like a white powder)?

The methods that are used were while observing unknown powders is with the naked eye, a lens, adding some type of acid and then seeing how the powders react to it. Then seeing what happens when put on a hot plate to see if it burns, changes colors or stays the same. Some other methods they do is adding water, adding sodium carbonate, and adding Lugol's solution.

2. How might this lab be helpful in preparing you for the mission?

The way this lab will be helpful is if we come across and unknown powders we will know how to test them.