1. What is Dilution Factor?

The dilution factor (DF) is a dimensionless number that represents the ratio of the final volume to the initial volume in a dilution process. It's commonly used in chemistry, biology, and medical laboratories to prepare solutions of desired concentrations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution formula:

Where:

• \( DF \) — Dilution factor (dimensionless)
• \( V_f \) — Final volume after dilution (mL)
• \( V_i \) — Initial volume before dilution (mL)

Explanation: The equation calculates how many times the original solution has been diluted by comparing the final volume to the initial volume.

3. Importance of Dilution Calculations

Details: Accurate dilution calculations are essential for preparing solutions of precise concentrations, which is critical in laboratory experiments, medical tests, and pharmaceutical preparations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both volumes in milliliters (mL). Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the dilution factor, which indicates how many times the original solution was diluted.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a dilution factor of 10 mean?
A: A DF of 10 means the original solution was diluted 10 times (e.g., 1 mL solution + 9 mL diluent = 10 mL total).

Q2: How is dilution factor related to concentration?
A: The concentration after dilution is the original concentration divided by the dilution factor.

Q3: What's the difference between dilution factor and dilution ratio?
A: Dilution factor is final volume divided by initial volume, while dilution ratio is typically expressed as initial:final (e.g., 1:10).

Q4: Can dilution factor be less than 1?
A: No, since final volume should always be greater than initial volume in a dilution, DF should always be ≥1.

Q5: How do I prepare a solution with a specific dilution factor?
A: Multiply the desired DF by the initial volume to determine the required final volume, then add the appropriate amount of diluent.