Which forensic discipline focuses on the analysis of explosive residues?

Forensic chemistry is the discipline that specifically deals with the analysis of explosive residues. This field utilizes various chemical techniques to identify and analyze substances involved in explosive reactions. It plays a crucial role in criminal investigations, particularly in cases involving bombings or other explosive incidents, where understanding the chemical composition of residues can help link a suspect to the crime scene or identify the type of explosives used.

Forensic chemists utilize methods such as gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopy to detect and characterize explosive materials. This analysis can provide vital evidence regarding the presence of explosives and help investigators understand the circumstances surrounding an explosion.

The other disciplines listed focus on different aspects of forensic science. Forensic biology deals with biological evidence such as DNA, forensic anthropology studies human skeletal remains to determine characteristics such as age and ancestry, and forensic psychology assesses psychological factors and motivations related to criminal behaviors. None of these fields concentrate on chemical analysis of explosive residues, making forensic chemistry the appropriate choice for this question.