Final answer:
Instant glue, also known as cyanoacrylate adhesive, can help reveal fingerprints by adhering to the sweat and oil residue left on a surface, making the fingerprints visible. It is commonly used in crime scene investigations to enhance the visibility of fingerprints on surfaces like glass, metal, or plastic.
Step-by-step explanation:
Instant glue, also known as cyanoacrylate adhesive, can help reveal fingerprints by adhering to the sweat and oil residue left on a surface, making the fingerprints visible. When the instant glue is applied to a fingerprint, it bonds to the amino acids and other organic compounds present in the sweat and oil, creating a hardened, translucent cast of the fingerprint pattern.
For example, in a crime scene investigation, investigators can use instant glue to enhance the visibility of fingerprints on surfaces like glass, metal, or plastic. They brush the instant glue onto the surface, and as it dries, it adheres to the fingerprint ridges, making them stand out for easier identification and analysis.
The use of instant glue for fingerprint analysis is based on the principle that the cyanoacrylate adhesive reacts with and binds to the amino acids and other organic materials in the sweat and oil from our fingers. This reaction creates a polymer that captures the fingerprint pattern, making it visible and preserving it for further examination.