Pearson, Lance - Super Glue Fuming of Latent Fingerprints Appendices

Beginning Class Work

Answer the following:

(1) Write the name of the following substances:

C

H

O

NaOH

(2) What does the word bond mean? Give an example (where have you heard the word bond, it does not have to be from science class):

(3) Give an example of a liquid turning into a gas:

(4) Give an example of a chemical reaction where the temperature of the products was different than the temperature of the reactants. Was the temperature colder or warmer after the reaction?

SAFETY RULES (VERY SERIOUS!!!):

Make sure that the entire class is aware of these dangers; just because super glue can be bought at the store does not mean that it is completely safe.

(1) Do NOT try this if you are wearing contact lenses

Prolonged exposure to the glue fumes can actually glue your contact lens to your eye. If this should happen go to the hospital and notify them of what happened, do NOT under any circumstance try to peel your contact lens off your eye. Make sure that students with contacts are a couple of feet back from any possible fumes.

(2) Do NOT inhale any fumes; pay close attention because they are invisible

Do NOT taste or smell the super glue fumes directly, they are very dangerous. Prolonged exposure is very hazardous; if you have a light cloth or mask to wear that is an excellent extra safety precaution.

(3) Do NOT get any of the chemicals (esp. the super glue) on your clothing or body;

Use rubber (not cotton or other cloth) gloves and goggles if you have them as an extra safety precaution. Acetone (e.g. hail polish remover) will remove the glue if you should get it on you.

Some Basic Properties of Super Glue

It evaporates (changes from a liquid to a gas) easily

When it encounters hydroxide (OH), water or some oils it forms an white solid (residue)

Can you think of a way to use these properties of super glue to reveal hidden (clear) fingerprints?

Follow-up Inquiry

Since the white residue is caused by (a) fumes coming into contact with the (b) water and oils in the latent (hidden) fingerprint, how might we speed up the procedure?

Chemical Names of Chemical, for more research

Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue); Sodium Hydroxide (Lye); Acetic Acid (Vinegar)