1. What is Volume to Volume Dilution?

Volume to volume dilution is a method of preparing a less concentrated solution from a more concentrated one by adding a specific volume of solvent. The dilution factor (DF) quantifies how much the original solution has been diluted.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution factor formula:

Where:

• \( DF \) — Dilution factor (unitless)
• \( V_{solute} \) — Volume of the original solution (mL)
• \( V_{solvent} \) — Volume of solvent added (mL)

Explanation: The formula calculates how many times the original solution has been diluted by adding the solvent.

3. Importance of Dilution Factor

Details: The dilution factor is crucial in laboratory settings for preparing solutions of desired concentrations, performing serial dilutions, and calculating final concentrations after dilution.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the volume of the original solution and the volume of solvent to be added. Both values must be positive numbers (solute volume must be > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a DF of 10 mean?
A: A DF of 10 means the original solution has been diluted 10-fold (1 part solute + 9 parts solvent).

Q2: How is DF related to concentration?
A: Final concentration = Initial concentration / DF. A higher DF means greater dilution and lower final concentration.

Q3: Can DF be less than 1?
A: No, DF is always ≥1 since you can't have a negative volume of solvent. DF=1 means no dilution occurred.

Q4: What's the difference between DF and dilution ratio?
A: DF is the total volume divided by solute volume. Dilution ratio is solute:total volume (e.g., 1:10 for DF=10).

Q5: How to prepare a specific DF?
A: Choose your solute volume, then calculate required solvent volume as V_solvent = V_solute × (DF - 1).