1. What is Dilution Factor?

The dilution factor (DF) is a ratio that describes how much a solution has been diluted. It represents the ratio of the final volume to the initial volume of the solution.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

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 dilution factor tells you how many times more dilute the final solution is compared to the original solution.

3. Importance of Dilution Factor

Details: Dilution factor is crucial in laboratory work, pharmaceutical preparations, and chemical analysis. It helps in preparing solutions of desired concentrations and in calculating the original concentration from diluted samples.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both volumes in mL. Both values must be positive numbers. The initial volume (V₁) should be smaller than the final volume (V₂) for proper dilution.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a dilution factor of 10 mean?
A: A DF of 10 means the solution has been diluted 10 times (1 part original solution + 9 parts diluent).

Q2: How is dilution factor related to concentration?
A: Concentration after dilution = Original concentration / Dilution factor.

Q3: Can dilution factor be less than 1?
A: No, since V₂ (final volume) must be greater than V₁ (initial volume) in a dilution.

Q4: What's the difference between dilution factor and dilution ratio?
A: Dilution factor is a single number (V₂/V₁), while dilution ratio is typically expressed as "1:X" where X = DF-1.

Q5: How do I prepare a solution with a specific dilution factor?
A: To achieve a DF of X, add (X × V₁ - V₁) of diluent to your original volume V₁.