Final answer:
The approximate time of death can be estimated by using the cooling rate of the body. The human body loses heat at a rate of about 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit per hour after death. In this case, the body temperature when found was 94 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step-by-step explanation:
The approximate time of death can be estimated by using the cooling rate of the body. The human body loses heat at a rate of about 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit per hour after death. In this case, the body temperature when found was 94 degrees Fahrenheit. Using this information, we can calculate the time of death by subtracting the difference between the body temperature when found and the normal body temperature from 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, and then dividing it by the cooling rate.
Let's calculate it:
Temperature difference = 98.6 - 94 = 4.6 degrees Fahrenheit
Cooling rate = 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit per hour
Time of death = Temperature difference / Cooling rate = 4.6 / 1.5 ≈ 3.07 hours