1. What is the Dilution Equation?

The dilution equation (C1V1 = C2V2) describes how the concentration of a solution changes when it is diluted. This fundamental principle is used in chemistry and biology laboratories to prepare solutions of desired concentrations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution equation:

Where:

• \( C_1 \) — Initial concentration (M)
• \( V_1 \) — Initial volume (L)
• \( V_2 \) — Final volume (L)
• \( C_2 \) — Final concentration (M)

Explanation: The equation shows that the concentration after dilution is proportional to the ratio of initial to final volumes.

3. Importance of Dilution Calculations

Details: Accurate dilution calculations are essential for preparing standard solutions, performing serial dilutions, and ensuring proper reagent concentrations in experiments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in the specified units (M for concentration, L for volume). Ensure all values are positive numbers. The calculator will compute the final concentration after dilution.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use different volume units?
A: Yes, as long as V1 and V2 are in the same units. The calculator currently displays liters (L) but works with any consistent volume unit.

Q2: What if I need to calculate the volume instead?
A: The same equation can be rearranged to solve for any missing variable. Future versions may include these calculations.

Q3: Does this work for serial dilutions?
A: For serial dilutions, you would need to perform this calculation sequentially for each dilution step.

Q4: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: This assumes perfect mixing and no chemical reactions. For non-ideal solutions or when dealing with very high dilutions, additional factors may need consideration.

Q5: Can I use this for percent solutions?
A: Yes, if you maintain consistent units (e.g., % for concentration and mL for volume).