1. What is the Dilution Equation?

The dilution equation \( C_2 = C_1 \times (V_1 / V_2) \) describes how the concentration of a solution changes when it's diluted with solvent. This fundamental chemistry principle is used to prepare solutions of desired concentrations from stock solutions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution equation:

Where:

• \( C_1 \) — Initial concentration (molarity, M)
• \( V_1 \) — Initial volume (liters, L)
• \( V_2 \) — Final volume after dilution (liters, L)
• \( C_2 \) — Final concentration (molarity, M)

Explanation: The equation shows that concentration is inversely proportional to volume when the amount of solute remains constant.

3. Importance of Dilution Calculations

Details: Accurate dilution calculations are essential in laboratory work, pharmaceutical preparations, and industrial processes where precise solution concentrations are required.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in the correct units (M for concentration, L for volume). Ensure initial volume (V₁) is less than or equal to final volume (V₂) for dilution calculations.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use different volume units?
A: Yes, as long as both volumes use the same unit (e.g., both in mL or both in L), the units will cancel out in the ratio.

Q2: What if I need to calculate the volume to dilute to?
A: The equation can be rearranged to \( V_2 = (C_1 \times V_1) / C_2 \) if you know the desired final concentration.

Q3: Does this work for percent solutions?
A: Yes, the same principle applies when using percent concentration (w/v, v/v, etc.) instead of molarity.

Q4: What about serial dilutions?
A: For serial dilutions, apply the equation sequentially for each dilution step.

Q5: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: This assumes perfect mixing and no volume change due to solute-solvent interactions (which is usually valid for dilute solutions).