Solving the Mystery of the Fading Fingerprints with London Dispersion Forces

Ronald DeLorenzo
Department of Chemistry, Middle Georgia College, Cochran, GA 31014-1599
Doris R. Kimbrough
Chemistry Department, University of Colorado at Denver, P. O. Box 173364, Denver, CO 80217-3364
J. Chem. Educ., 1998, 75 (10), p 1300
DOI: 10.1021/ed075p1300
Publication Date (Web): October 1, 1998

Abstract

The use of fingerprints for identification purposes is one of the most widespread and best-understood tools of forensic science. Fingerprinting is such a common occurrence in detective novels, cinema, and television that we all know it is best to wear gloves when committing a crime. However, the fingerprints of the perpetrator are often not the only ones of importance in the collection of evidence. The fingerprints of the victim can be extremely important as well, and obtaining them when the victim is a child can be a tricky and frustrating endeavor.

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Domain):

Public Understanding / Outreach

Keywords (Feature):

Applications and Analogies

Keywords (Subject):

Noncovalent Interactions
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  • Received: August 03, 2009

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