1. What is Dilution Calculation?

Dilution calculation is a fundamental laboratory technique used to reduce the concentration of a solute in solution. It's essential in preparing solutions of desired concentrations from stock solutions in chemistry, biology, and medical laboratories.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution formula:

Where:

• \( C_f \) — Final concentration
• \( C_i \) — Initial concentration
• \( V_i \) — Initial volume
• \( V_f \) — Final volume after dilution

Explanation: The formula shows that the final concentration is equal to the initial concentration multiplied by the ratio of initial volume to final volume.

3. Importance of Dilution Calculations

Details: Accurate dilution calculations are crucial for preparing solutions of precise concentrations, which is essential for experiments, medical tests, and pharmaceutical preparations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter initial concentration in mg/mL, initial and final volumes in mL. Final volume must be greater than or equal to initial volume.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if my final volume is less than initial volume?
A: This would represent concentration, not dilution. The calculator requires V_f ≥ V_i for dilution calculations.

Q2: How do I prepare a 1:10 dilution?
A: Mix 1 part stock solution with 9 parts diluent (e.g., 1 mL stock + 9 mL diluent = 10 mL total).

Q3: Can I use different concentration units?
A: Yes, as long as C_i and C_f use the same units (e.g., μg/mL, M, %).

Q4: What's serial dilution?
A: Performing multiple dilutions in sequence, where each dilution uses the previous dilution as its stock.

Q5: How accurate are dilution calculations?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise, but actual results depend on measurement accuracy and proper mixing.