What is the core formula for dilution calculations?

The fundamental principle for all dilution calculations is expressed by the formula C₁V₁ = C₂V₂. This means the amount of solute before dilution (C₁ × V₁) is equal to the amount of solute after dilution (C₂ × V₂). It's used to calculate unknown volumes or concentrations when preparing a new solution from a stock.

What is a 'Dilution Factor' (DF) and how is it calculated?

The Dilution Factor (DF) quantifies how much a solution has been diluted. It is calculated as the ratio of the initial concentration to the final concentration (DF = C₁ / C₂) or as the ratio of the final volume to the initial volume (DF = V₂ / V₁). For example, mixing 1 part stock with 9 parts solvent gives a 1:10 dilution and a DF of 10.

What practical laboratory tasks require a dilution calculator?

Dilution calculations are essential for a wide range of tasks in the lab, including preparing standard solutions of known concentration, performing serial dilutions for biological assays or microbiology, formulating drugs to specific dosages, and setting up protocols in analytical chemistry and molecular biology.

How do I make a 1:10 dilution?

A 1:10 dilution means you have 1 part of your original stock solution and 9 parts of the diluting solvent, making a total of 10 parts. For example, to make 100 mL of a 1:10 dilution, you would mix 10 mL of stock with 90 mL of solvent. This reduces the concentration by a factor of 10 (Dilution Factor = 10).

Can I use this calculator for serial dilutions?

Yes, the calculator is perfect for planning serial dilutions. In a serial dilution, the diluted solution from one step becomes the stock for the next. You can use the formula repeatedly. For example, making a 1:10 dilution of a 1:10 dilution results in an overall 1:100 dilution from the original stock.

Dilution Calculator - Smart Unit Calculator

Dilution Calculator

Calculate stock solution and solvent volumes for desired concentrations

🧪 Calculation Type

Stock Solution

Final Solution

Dilution Factor

Decimal Precision

📚 Dilution Formula

C₁V₁ = C₂V₂

Where:

• C₁ = Stock concentration
• V₁ = Stock volume
• C₂ = Final concentration
• V₂ = Final volume

DF = C₁ / C₂

DF = Dilution Factor

📊 Dilution Results

                                Stock Volume Needed
                                10.000 mL
                            

Solvent Volume 90.000 mL

Dilution Factor 10.000

Ratio 1:10

Dilution Visualization

■ Stock

10%

■ Solvent

90%

Calculation Steps

Given: C₁ = 100 M, C₂ = 10 M, V₂ = 100 mL

Using formula: C₁V₁ = C₂V₂

Calculation: V₁ = (C₂ × V₂) / C₁ = (10 × 100) / 100

Result: V₁ = 10.000 mL stock solution

Solvent volume: V₂ – V₁ = 100 – 10 = 90.000 mL

🔍 Additional Information

Total Volume 100.000 mL

Concentration Ratio 10.000

Volume Ratio 0.100

Precision 3 decimals

⚗️ Dilution Basics

Dilution is the process of reducing the concentration of a solute in a solution by adding more solvent. The key principle is that the amount of solute remains constant while the total volume increases.

C₁V₁ = C₂V₂

This equation states that the amount of solute before dilution equals the amount after dilution.

🧫 Dilution Factor

The dilution factor (DF) represents how much a solution has been diluted. It’s the ratio of the initial concentration to the final concentration.

DF = C₁ / C₂ = V₂ / V₁

A 1:10 dilution means 1 part stock solution mixed with 9 parts solvent, giving a dilution factor of 10.

🔬 Practical Applications

Dilution calculations are essential for:

✓ Preparing standard solutions
✓ Serial dilutions for assays
✓ Drug formulation
✓ Microbiology culture preparation
✓ Analytical chemistry
✓ Molecular biology protocols

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