1. What is Dilution Factor?

The dilution factor represents how much a solution has been diluted. It's the ratio of the final volume to the initial volume of the solution. For example, a 1:10 dilution means one part original solution mixed with nine parts diluent.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution formula:

Where:

• \( C \) — Final concentration (mol/L or g/L)
• \( C_0 \) — Initial concentration (mol/L or g/L)
• dilution factor — Ratio of final volume to initial volume (unitless)

Explanation: The formula shows that concentration decreases proportionally with the dilution factor.

3. Importance of Dilution Calculations

Details: Accurate dilution calculations are essential in laboratory work, medicine preparation, analytical chemistry, and biological assays to achieve desired concentrations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the initial concentration (positive value), select appropriate units, and enter the dilution factor (≥1). The calculator will compute the final concentration.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between dilution factor and dilution ratio?
A: Dilution factor is total parts (e.g., 10 for 1:9), while dilution ratio shows parts solute:solvent (1:9).

Q2: How do I prepare a specific dilution?
A: Use the formula: Volume of stock = (Final volume) / (Dilution factor).

Q3: Can I use this for serial dilutions?
A: Yes, apply the formula sequentially for each dilution step.

Q4: What if my dilution factor is less than 1?
A: Dilution factors <1 represent concentration, not dilution. This calculator only handles dilution (factors ≥1).

Q5: Does this work for any concentration units?
A: Yes, as long as initial and final units are the same (e.g., mol/L, g/L, %).