1. What is the Dilution Formula?

The dilution formula calculates the new concentration of a solution after dilution. It's based on the principle that the amount of solute remains constant while the volume increases, resulting in a lower concentration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution formula:

Where:

• \( C_1 \) — Initial concentration (mol/L or g/L)
• \( V_1 \) — Initial volume (liters)
• \( V_2 \) — Final volume after dilution (liters)
• \( C_2 \) — Final concentration (same units as C₁)

Explanation: The formula maintains the conservation of mass principle, where the total amount of solute remains unchanged during dilution.

3. Importance of Dilution Calculations

Details: Accurate dilution calculations are essential in chemistry, biology, medicine, and various industries for preparing solutions of precise concentrations from stock solutions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in the appropriate units. Concentration can be in mol/L (molarity) or g/L. Volumes must be in liters. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use different volume units?
A: The calculator requires liters, but you can convert other units to liters first (1 mL = 0.001 L, 1 gallon ≈ 3.785 L).

Q2: What if my final volume is less than initial volume?
A: That would represent concentration, not dilution. The formula still works mathematically but isn't a true dilution scenario.

Q3: Does this work for serial dilutions?
A: For serial dilutions, you need to apply the formula sequentially for each dilution step.

Q4: Can I use this for percent solutions?
A: Yes, if you express concentration as percentage (g/100mL), just ensure volume units are consistent.

Q5: How precise should my measurements be?
A: Precision depends on your needs. For most lab work, 3-4 significant figures are sufficient.