What type of blood spatter is produced at a rate of 5 feet per second or less?

The correct answer is based on the classification of blood spatter patterns according to the speed at which they are produced. Low-velocity impact spatter occurs when blood is projected at a speed of 5 feet per second or less, typically resulting from events like a blunt force impact or when blood simply drips or falls under the influence of gravity. This type of spatter tends to create larger droplets that can be more easily distinguished due to their size, which generally ranges from 4 millimeters in diameter or larger.

Each classification of blood spatter serves a unique role in forensic investigations. For example, high-velocity impact spatter involves speeds exceeding 100 feet per second, creating much smaller droplets, while medium velocity spatter falls between these two categories with speeds ranging from 5 to 100 feet per second.

Understanding these differences is crucial for evidence technicians as they analyze crime scenes, as it helps in determining the nature of the violence that may have occurred based on the patterns found. The categorization not only aids in reconstructing events but also provides vital information about the dynamics of the crime.