ABSTRACT
Before you make a physical match, there has to be a form of separation of a single item. Separation can result when an item is broken, torn, or cut apart into two or more pieces in a random fashion. An analyst can closely analyze fractured edges in order to make physical matches. The fact that breakages are random makes it possible to see unique and individual characteristics between two or more pieces. Because of these unique qualities along a breakage, a match can be determined or excluded; however, pieces that are too small to be physically possible to be put together can be inconclusive. In general, physical comparison is conducted between two questioned pieces of material between which specic physical characteristics are looked for and identied.
