1. What is Dilution Factor?

The Dilution Factor (DF) is a measure of how much a solution has been diluted. It represents the ratio of the final volume to the initial volume of the solution.

2. How is Dilution Factor Calculated?

The calculator uses the dilution factor formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation calculates how many times the original solution has been diluted by comparing the final volume to the initial volume.

3. Importance of Dilution Factor

Details: Dilution factor is crucial in laboratory work, pharmaceutical preparations, and chemical analysis to ensure accurate concentration measurements and proper solution preparation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both volumes in milliliters (mL). Both values must be positive numbers. The result is a unitless ratio.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a dilution factor of 10 mean?
A: A DF of 10 means the original solution has been diluted 10 times (e.g., 1 mL solution + 9 mL diluent = 10 mL total).

Q2: How is dilution factor related to concentration?
A: The concentration after dilution is the original concentration divided by the dilution factor.

Q3: Can dilution factor be less than 1?
A: No, since V₂ must be greater than V₁ in a dilution, DF should always be greater than 1.

Q4: What's the difference between dilution factor and dilution ratio?
A: Dilution factor is V₂/V₁, while dilution ratio is typically expressed as V₁:V₂ (e.g., 1:10 for a DF of 10).

Q5: How do I prepare a solution with a specific dilution factor?
A: Determine the required final volume (V₂) by multiplying your desired aliquot volume by DF, then add (V₂ - V₁) of diluent.