1. What is Dilation Factor?

The Dilation Factor (DF) is a dimensionless number that represents the ratio of the final volume (V2) to the initial volume (V1) when a solution is diluted. It indicates how many times the original solution has been diluted.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( V1 \) — Initial volume before dilution (mL)
• \( V2 \) — Final volume after dilution (mL)
• \( DF \) — Dilation factor (unitless)

Explanation: The equation simply divides the final volume by the initial volume to determine how much the solution has been diluted.

3. Importance of Dilation Factor

Details: Dilation factor is crucial in laboratory settings, pharmaceutical preparations, and chemical processing where precise dilutions are required for accurate measurements and formulations.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a DF of 1 mean?
A: A DF of 1 means no dilution occurred (V2 = V1).

Q2: What's the difference between DF and dilution ratio?
A: DF is the total volume ratio, while dilution ratio typically refers to the ratio of solute to solvent (e.g., 1:10).

Q3: Can DF be less than 1?
A: No, since V2 should always be equal to or greater than V1 in a dilution, DF should be ≥1.

Q4: How is DF used in serial dilutions?
A: In serial dilutions, the total DF is the product of individual step DFs.

Q5: What's a typical DF range in laboratory work?
A: Common DFs range from 2 (simple 1:1 dilution) up to 10,000 or more for highly concentrated samples.