Roland is using algor mortis to determine a victim’s time of death. Assuming the victim’s body temperature was originally 98 degrees and now measures 88 degrees, how many hours have MOST likely passed since the victim died?
A.
2 hours
B.
4 hours
C.
8 hours
D.
10 hours
B. 4 hours
The scattered bones from a human body were found within a 10-foot radius in a forest. The forensic anthropologist determines that some of the finger bones are missing. What can the anthropologist MOST likely conclude from this evidence?
A.
The body has been in the forest for 15 to 20 years.
B.
The body has been in the forest for less than three weeks.
C.
The body has been in the forest for more than one year.
D.
The body has been in the forest for about four month
B. The body has been in the forest for less than three weeks.
Algor mortis, also known as the cooling of the body after death, can be used to estimate the time of death. The general principle is that the body temperature of a deceased person gradually decreases until it reaches the ambient temperature of the surrounding environment.
To determine the number of hours that have likely passed since the victim's death using algor mortis, you need to consider a few factors. The cooling rate of a body varies depending on factors such as the ambient temperature, clothing, body size, and the insulation provided by the surroundings.
In this case, since we know the victim's body temperature has dropped from 98 degrees to 88 degrees, and assuming the ambient temperature remains constant, we can estimate the number of hours that have passed since the victim died.
According to forensic studies, the average cooling rate of a body after death is approximately 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit per hour or 0.83 degrees Celsius per hour. So, by subtracting the final body temperature (88 degrees) from the initial body temperature (98 degrees) and dividing it by the cooling rate (1.5 degrees per hour), we can calculate the likely number of hours that have passed.
(98 degrees - 88 degrees) / 1.5 degrees per hour = 6.66 hours
Since we are looking for the most likely number of hours, we can round this to the nearest whole number. In this case, it would be 7 hours. Therefore, the correct answer would be:
C. 8 hours
It is important to note that this is an estimation based on average cooling rates and may not be entirely accurate for every case. Various factors can affect the cooling rate, so it is always best to consult a forensic expert for a more precise determination of the time of death.