# Explain why chemists use instrumental methods of analysis rather than traditional chemical tests when identifying substances in forensic investigations.

> WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales) — 2.8 Instrumental analysis · Explain · 5 marks

> Forensic scientists are often asked to identify unknown substances found at crime scenes. They must work quickly, accurately, and with very small amounts of sample.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Instrumental methods are faster than traditional chemical tests
2. Instrumental methods are more accurate / sensitive than traditional chemical tests
3. Instrumental methods can identify substances using very small amounts / tiny samples
4. Instrumental methods can identify mixtures / more than one substance at the same time
5. Results from instrumental methods can be stored / processed / compared using a computer or database

## Key terms

- [instrumental methods](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/instrumental-methods)
- [forensic](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/forensic)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-chemists-use-instrumental-methods-358b4fb5) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.