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Forensics Case 14—Hot Air, Cold Body: Using Newton's Law of Cooling to Determine Time of Death
 


Activity Overview

Students create a temperature versus time graph for cooling and become familiar with Newton's Law of Cooling. They use the cooling-rate equation to estimate time of death of the victim.

Before the Activity

  • Use TI Connect™ to download Vernier EasyData™ application
  • Plug temperature probe into the USB port of the calculator
  • Set up the calculator and the temperature probe for data collection
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 122 - 128 from the attached PDF file for the class
  • Print sample data and student work pages

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Record the ambient (room) temperature
  • Place the temperature probe in the model victim
  • Begin data collection and observe the graph of temperature versus time
  • Trace the graph to record the maximum and minimum temperatures, and the final and initial time when these temperatures are reached
  • Determine the time ( final - initial ) for which the victim cooled
  • Use Newton's Cooling Equation to analyze the data
  • Type the cooling equation into the equation Solver and determine the cooling constant
  • Enter calculated cooling constant, the ambient temperature, and the temperature of the body to find the cooling time T
  • Use the cooling time to find the time of death

    		After the Activity

  • Students analyze the results and answer the Case Analysis questions on the Evidence Record sheet
  • Review student results
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary

    		Other Downloads




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    Subject Area:
    Math : Algebra I : Linear Equations and Functions
    Science : Forensics : Time of death (rate of decay)

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    9-12

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family

    Apps:
    EasyData™

    Software:
    TI Connect™

    Accessories:
    Sensor - Temperature, TI Connectivity Cable, Unit-to-Unit link cables

    Other:
    This is Activity 14 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Forensics: Connecting Science Investigations with TI Data Collection Activities.

    The following materials are required for this activity:

  • Vernier EasyTemp™ temperature probe
  • Ring stand with clamp
  • Model victim


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