A method of qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis wherein the element which is being analyzed must be dissociated from its chemical bonds after which the atoms of this element will absorb radiation of an energy specific for that element. The amount of energy absorbed is proportional to the concentration of that element in the specimen. The main application in forensic science is to analyze cotton swabs for elemental components of primer mixtures when testing hands or other objects for gunshot residues; however, this method has nearly become obsolete due to the use of the scanning electron microscope and x-ray analysis of primer residues.
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