What is the difference between a latent print and an impression?

What is the difference between a latent print and an impression?

• A. A latent print is invisible and requires development; an impression is a visible mark left by a finger.
• B. A latent print is visible; an impression is invisible.
• C. A latent print is formed by DNA; an impression is formed by mud.
• D. A latent print is always on metal; an impression is on glass.

Answer: (A)

Latent prints arise from the oils and sweat left by friction ridges and are not visible to the naked eye; they need special techniques (like powders or chemical developers) to reveal the ridge patterns. An impression is an actual physical mark left by a finger on a surface—often an indentation or a visible imprint in soft materials or a visible transfer on a surface—that can be seen without extra enhancement. So the key idea is visibility and how they’re formed: latent prints are invisible residues that require development, while an impression is a tangible mark left by contact that is typically visible.