Which characteristic might help identify a volatile liquid during an investigation?

A strong odor is a characteristic that can help identify a volatile liquid during an investigation. Volatile liquids are substances that have a tendency to vaporize or evaporate quickly at room temperature, which often leads to the release of vapors that can have distinct odors. These odors may be detectable and can assist investigators in recognizing the presence of specific volatile compounds, which might be relevant to the context of the investigation, such as potential arson cases or the presence of hazardous materials.

On the other hand, characteristics like high viscosity and low evaporation rate are typically associated with non-volatile or less volatile substances, which do not readily produce vapors. Additionally, a solid state is not relevant in identifying a liquid; volatile liquids must be in a liquid state to be classified as such, as their defining characteristic is their ability to vaporize. Thus, the strong odor associated with volatile liquids is a key indicator that can aid in their identification during forensic investigations.