Glass fragments can be classified as what type of evidence in forensic investigations?

Glass fragments are classified as physical evidence in forensic investigations because they are tangible items that can be collected, analyzed, and used to support findings related to a crime scene. Physical evidence is defined as any material object that can establish a link between a suspect, a victim, or a crime.

In the case of glass fragments, they can provide crucial information regarding a specific location or event, such as whether a window was broken during the commission of a crime. Analyzing the characteristics of the glass, such as its color, thickness, and chemical composition, can help forensic experts determine its source and how it may relate to the case.

This classification as physical evidence differentiates it from biological evidence, which includes organic material like blood or hair, trace evidence, which often refers to smaller particles transferred during a crime, and digital evidence, which pertains to information stored digitally, like computer files or texts. Each type of evidence serves a different purpose in investigations, but glass fragments fall squarely within the realm of physical evidence due to their material nature.