Question 1
Spectrometry would indeed be a good analytical tool since it will help in distinguishing the different compounds in the powder. In such a case, the best type of spectroscopy would be infrared spectrometry and mass spectrometry. Infrared spectroscopy is a vital analytical tool to identify controlled substances. Infrared light is passed on the unknown substance. As the sample absorbs the infrared radiation, an infrared spectrum results, which is a series of peaks and valleys ("Physical Evidence Handbook Drug Identification Unit", 2016). Each substance in the compound results in a highly accurate infrared spectrum. The spectrum of the unknown elements ...
