CCS CCS Cremation Chemistry and Science 2

Question 1

What happens to organic soft tissue (muscle, fat, organs) during cremation?

Accepted Answer

It is fully combusted and converted to gases and water vapor

Answer

Organic soft tissue is fully combusted during cremation, converting to carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other gases that exit through the exhaust system.

Question 2

Why must cardiac pacemakers be removed from a body before cremation?

Accepted Answer

The lithium battery can explode at cremation temperatures, damaging the retort

Answer

Pacemaker batteries can explode when exposed to cremation temperatures, potentially causing severe damage to the retort and injury to staff.

Question 3

At what approximate temperature do bone minerals begin to calcine (transform) during cremation?

Accepted Answer

Above 1,300°F (704°C)

Answer

Significant calcination of bone mineral begins above approximately 1,300°F (704°C), where hydroxyapatite begins to decompose and transform.

Question 4

What is the significance of moisture content in a body at the start of cremation?

Accepted Answer

Higher moisture requires more energy and time to evaporate before combustion can proceed efficiently

Answer

High moisture content requires additional energy to evaporate water from tissues before effective combustion can begin, extending cremation time.

Question 5

What is 'incomplete cremation' and what is its most common cause?

Accepted Answer

Bone fragments that are not fully calcined — caused by insufficient temperature, time, or oxygen

Answer

Incomplete cremation results in uncalcined bone fragments and is most commonly caused by insufficient temperature, reduced time in the retort, or inadequate oxygen supply.

CCS - Certified Cremation Specialist Practice Test

CCS - Certified Cremation Specialist Practice Test

CCS CCS Cremation Chemistry and Science 2