1. What is Dilution Factor?

The Dilution Factor (DF) is a ratio that describes how much a solution has been diluted. It's calculated as the final volume divided by the initial volume of the solution. This is particularly important when working with concentrations in mg/mL.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution factor formula:

Where:

• \( DF \) — Dilution Factor (dimensionless)
• \( V_{final} \) — Final volume after dilution (mL)
• \( V_{initial} \) — Initial volume before dilution (mL)

Explanation: The equation shows the relationship between the volumes before and after dilution. A DF of 5 means the solution was diluted 5-fold.

3. Importance of Dilution Factor

Details: Accurate dilution factor calculation is crucial for preparing solutions with precise concentrations, especially in laboratory settings, pharmaceutical preparations, and chemical processing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both volumes in milliliters (mL). Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the dilution factor as a dimensionless number.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a dilution factor of 1 mean?
A: A DF of 1 means no dilution occurred (final volume equals initial volume).

Q2: How do I calculate concentration after dilution?
A: Multiply the original concentration by the inverse of the dilution factor (C_final = C_initial × (1/DF)).

Q3: What's the difference between dilution factor and dilution ratio?
A: Dilution factor is a mathematical ratio (V_final/V_initial), while dilution ratio is typically expressed as a proportion (e.g., 1:10).

Q4: Can dilution factor be less than 1?
A: No, in normal circumstances DF cannot be less than 1 as that would imply concentration rather than dilution.

Q5: How does this relate to mg/mL concentrations?
A: The same dilution factor applies to concentration in any units (mg/mL, μg/mL, etc.), as it's a volume ratio.