ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 6

The Use of k Values in the Interpretation of Glass Density and Refractive Index Data
Thornton, JI
Professor of forensic science, University of California, CA

(Received 8 October 1998; accepted 21 December 1988)

Abstract

A k value represents a type of summary statistic by means of which glass evidence may be interpreted. This statistic is defined as k = V/D, where the dispersion V = (nD − 1)/(nF − nC), and where D is the density. The k value is therefore the slope of a line through the 0,0 origin and a plot of dispersion versus density. Obtaining a k value facilitates the interpretation of commonality of source, since “within-item” variation in density and refractive index does not significantly alter the k value. “Between-item” variation, on the other hand, profoundly influences the k value, even if the density and one of the refractive indices are coincidentally similar.

Keywords:
forensic science, glass, density (mass/volume), refractive index

Paper ID: JFS12773J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12773J
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