1. What is the Dilution Formula?

The dilution formula calculates the final concentration of a solution after it has been diluted. It's based on the principle that the amount of solute remains constant before and after dilution, only the volume changes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution equation:

Where:

• \( C_1 \) — Initial concentration (molar)
• \( V_1 \) — Initial volume (liters)
• \( V_2 \) — Final volume (liters)
• \( C_2 \) — Final concentration (molar)

Explanation: The formula shows that the final concentration is directly proportional to the initial concentration and the ratio of initial to final volume.

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 initial concentration in molar, initial and final volumes in liters. All values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the final concentration after dilution.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use different units for volume?
A: Yes, as long as both V₁ and V₂ are in the same units (mL, L, etc.), the calculation will work correctly.

Q2: What if my final volume is less than initial volume?
A: This would represent concentration rather than dilution, and the final concentration would be higher than the initial concentration.

Q3: Does this work for any concentration unit?
A: Yes, the formula works for any concentration units (molar, percent, mg/mL, etc.) as long as C₁ and C₂ use the same units.

Q4: How precise should my measurements be?
A: For most applications, 3-4 significant figures are sufficient, but research applications may require greater precision.

Q5: Can this be used for serial dilutions?
A: Yes, you can apply the formula sequentially for each dilution step in a series.