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Using Physics: Bombs and Explosions
in walls (or even people) and difficult to find, but they can be very valu-
able evidence in court. In addition, pieces of the bomb can be examined
to determine more specific information about the bomb itself, such as the
chemistry of the components and the amount of energy generated by the
explosion.
Bombs come in many shapes and sizes—from letter bombs no bigger
than a standard envelope, to large box vans driven onto parking ramps and
left to explode. The size of the bomb obviously has an effect on the poten-
tial damage it can do, but a well-placed letter bomb can kill just as easily
as a truck packed with dynamite.
Using physics to solve crimes takes intelligence and thorough understand-
ing of the principles involved. In most cases, it also requires extensive
education.
