1. What is Dilution?

Dilution is the process of reducing the concentration of a solute in a solution by adding more solvent. This is a fundamental concept in chemistry and biology used to prepare solutions of desired concentrations.

2. How Does the Dilution Formula Work?

The dilution formula is based on the principle of conservation of mass:

Where:

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

Explanation: The amount of solute remains constant during dilution, so the product of concentration and volume before dilution equals that after dilution.

3. Importance of Dilution Calculations

Details: Accurate dilution calculations are essential for preparing solutions of precise concentrations in laboratories, medical settings, and industrial applications. They ensure experimental reproducibility and proper dosing in medical treatments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the initial concentration (C1) in molarity (M), initial volume (V1) in liters (L), and final volume (V2) in liters (L). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use different units for volume?
A: Yes, as long as V1 and V2 are in the same units (mL, L, etc.), the calculation will work. The calculator currently uses liters.

Q2: What if my final volume is less than initial volume?
A: This would represent concentration, not dilution. The formula still works mathematically but doesn't represent a physical dilution process.

Q3: Does this work for any concentration units?
A: Yes, as long as C1 and C2 use the same units (M, mM, %, etc.). The calculator uses molarity (M).

Q4: How precise should my measurements be?
A: Precision depends on your application. For most laboratory work, measure volumes to at least 2 decimal places.

Q5: What about serial dilutions?
A: For serial dilutions, apply the formula sequentially for each dilution step, using the previous step's C2 as the new C1.