NAME: _____________________________________________________

SECTION: __________________________________________________
PROFESSOR: _______________________________________________

Module 6
Gunpowder Residue

INTRODUCTION
In this module, we will be focusing on gunpowder residue, its characteristics, and the tests to be made on
the presence of nitrates when a person fired a gun. The limitations of Paraffin Test will help us realize that
this test is not conclusive but rather corroborative evidence. Enjoy your work as you learn from it.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
After finishing the module, you are expected to:
1. Describe gunshot residue or gunpowder residue.
2. Differentiate the types of gunpowder.
3. Discuss the tests for gunpowder nitrates.
4. Appreciate the effect of these gunpowder residue tests.

ENGAGE
Directions: Match each premise in A with the appropriate response in B.
A B
____1. Composed of nitrocellulose or nitrocellulose a. Black Powder
and nitroglycerine and other stabilizers.
b. Nitrate
____2. A mixture of carbon or charcoal (15%), sulfur
(10%) and potassium nitrate (75%) c. Paraffin-Diphenylamine Test
____3. Test the presence of nitrates in the gunpowder d. Smokeless Powder
residue
____4. Reactive chemical component of gunpowder

Answer the following questions:

1. What are the two kinds of gunpowder? Differentiate one from the other.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

2. What is gunshot residue? What is its composition?

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

3. What factors affect the presence and amount of gunpowder residue? Describe each.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Directions: As a future criminologist, share what you know (Knowledge), do (skills), and feel
(behavior) about gunshot powder residue
 KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ATTITUDE
As a future criminologist, I As a future criminologist, I do…. As a future criminologist, I feel…
know…

Directions: In your opinion, what else do you need to learn?

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

EXPLORE
Gunshot residue is mainly composed of burned and unburned particles from the propellant, the explosive
primer, the components from the bullet, as well as the cartridge case and the firearm used.
Gunshot residue is extremely fragile evidence and should be collected immediately, preferably within three
hours of the firearm’s discharge.
In collecting evidence of this type, one should use the laboratory supplied GSR kits and follow the directions
carefully.

Reflection Questions:
Directions: Answer the following questions.
1. Describe what Paraffin Test is and how it is being conducted.
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
2. What are the characteristics of a positive result for nitrates from gunpowder residue?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
3. Is the positive result conclusive?
If yes, why? If no, why not?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

EXPLAIN
 A Paraffin Test is a method used for detecting gunshot residue. The test determines whether or not
a person fired a gun. It may be a means to provide conclusive evidence in a clinical trial. A paraffin test is
also called Lunge’s Test, Diphenylamine Test, Dermal Nitrate test and Gonzales Test, named after the
scientist who improved the test. This originated from Cuba and was first employed by Dr. Gonzalo Iturrios
when he used paraffin to collect and examine gunpowder residues from discharged firearms.

ELABORATE
Guided Practice
Answer the following questions

1. What is the ideal time allotment for performing a Paraffin Cast? Explain.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

2. Other substances similar to nitrate will react with the reagent in the same way, thus giving a false
positive result. These substances include the following
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

3. Are there instances in which testing the person who actually discharged a gun can still give a
negative result? Why?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

EVALUATION
Directions: Write True on the line before the number if the statement is true. If it is false, write an
explanation of the error you spotted on the box.
_______________ 1. Absence of gunpowder residue on the person’s hands or body parts means that he did
not discharge the firearm.

________________ 2. Positive result of nitrates present on the body parts of a person is conclusive that he
did the firing of the gun.

________________ 3. Ordinary washing will remove nitrates from the pores of the skin.

________________ 4. More powder residue will be obtained when the gun is discharged pointing
downward.

________________ 5. Humidity lessens the extent of combustion yielding more gunpowder residue on the
shooter.