1. What is the Dilution Equation?

The dilution equation \( C_1 \times V_1 = C_2 \times V_2 \) describes the relationship between concentrations and volumes before and after a dilution. It's based on the principle of mass conservation, where the amount of solute remains constant before and after dilution.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The product of initial concentration and volume equals the product of final concentration and volume after dilution.

3. Importance of Dilution Calculations

Details: Accurate dilution calculations are essential in chemistry, biology, medicine, and many industrial processes where precise concentrations are required.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter any three known values (leaving one field empty) to calculate the missing value. All inputs must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use different concentration units?
A: Yes, but all concentrations must be in the same units, and all volumes must be in the same units for the calculation to work correctly.

Q2: Does this work for serial dilutions?
A: For serial dilutions, you need to apply the equation sequentially for each dilution step.

Q3: What if my final volume is larger than initial?
A: That's normal in dilutions - you're adding solvent to decrease concentration while increasing total volume.

Q4: Can I use this for solid dilutions?
A: This equation is for liquid dilutions. For solids, you'd need to consider mass concentrations.

Q5: How precise should my measurements be?
A: Precision depends on your application. Analytical chemistry often requires very precise measurements (±0.0001), while rough estimates may suffice for some applications.