1. What is Dilution Factor?

The dilution factor (DF) represents how much a solution is diluted. It's the ratio of the final volume to the initial volume of the solution. For example, a DF of 10 means the solution is diluted 10-fold.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution formula:

Where:

• \( V_1 \) — Initial volume (mL)
• \( DF \) — Dilution factor (unitless)
• \( V_2 \) — Final volume after dilution (mL)

Explanation: The formula calculates the total volume needed after dilution based on the initial volume and the desired dilution factor.

3. Importance of Dilution Calculations

Details: Accurate dilution calculations are essential in laboratory work, pharmaceutical preparations, chemical analysis, and biological assays to achieve desired concentrations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the initial volume in mL and the desired dilution factor (must be greater than 1 for actual dilution). The calculator will determine the final volume needed.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between dilution factor and concentration factor?
A: Dilution factor describes how much a solution is diluted (DF > 1), while concentration factor describes how much it's concentrated (DF < 1).

Q2: How do I prepare an actual dilution?
A: Subtract initial volume from final volume to determine how much diluent to add (V_diluent = V2 - V1).

Q3: Can I use this for serial dilutions?
A: Yes, but you'll need to apply it sequentially for each dilution step in the series.

Q4: What if my dilution factor is less than 1?
A: This would represent concentration rather than dilution, which isn't typically achieved by simple addition of solvent.

Q5: How precise should my measurements be?
A: Precision depends on your application. Analytical work typically requires more precise measurements than general laboratory work.