1. What is the Tocris Dilution Formula?

The Tocris dilution formula calculates the final concentration of a solution after dilution. It's based on the principle of conservation of mass, where the amount of solute remains constant before and after dilution.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Tocris dilution equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation shows that the final concentration is directly proportional to the initial concentration and the ratio of initial to final volumes.

3. Importance of Accurate Dilution

Details: Precise dilution calculations are essential in laboratory work, drug preparation, and research experiments to ensure accurate concentrations for reliable results.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in the correct units (M for concentration, L for volume). Ensure all values are positive numbers. For small volumes, you may use mL but convert to liters (1 mL = 0.001 L) for calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use different volume units?
A: Yes, but all volumes must be in the same unit. The calculator uses liters (L), so convert mL to L by dividing by 1000.

Q2: What if my final volume is less than initial volume?
A: This would represent concentration, not dilution. The formula still works but results in higher concentration.

Q3: How precise should my measurements be?
A: Precision depends on your application. For most laboratory work, 4 decimal places for concentration is standard.

Q4: Does temperature affect the calculation?
A: The calculation assumes constant temperature. For precise work, account for temperature effects on volume.

Q5: Can this be used for serial dilutions?
A: Yes, but you'll need to perform the calculation for each dilution step in the series.