1. What is the Dilution Equation?

The dilution equation calculates the final concentration of a solution after dilution. It's based on the principle of conservation of mass, where the amount of solute remains constant before and after dilution.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution equation:

Where:

• \( C_1 \) — Initial concentration (mol/L)
• \( V_1 \) — Initial volume (L)
• \( V_2 \) — Final volume after dilution (L)
• \( C_2 \) — Final concentration (mol/L)

Explanation: The equation shows that the final concentration is proportional to the ratio of initial to final volumes.

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 all values in the correct units (mol/L for concentration, liters for volume). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use different units?
A: Yes, but all volumes must be in the same units (e.g., all in mL or all in L) for the calculation to work correctly.

Q2: What if my final volume is less than initial volume?
A: That would represent concentration, not dilution. The equation still works mathematically but may not represent a physical dilution process.

Q3: Does this account for mixing non-ideal solutions?
A: No, this assumes ideal behavior where volumes are additive. For non-ideal solutions, more complex calculations are needed.

Q4: Can I use this for serial dilutions?
A: Yes, but you'll need to apply the calculation sequentially for each dilution step.

Q5: How precise should my measurements be?
A: Precision depends on your application. For most laboratory work, 4 significant figures is typically sufficient.