1. What is the Dilution Factor Formula?

The dilution factor formula calculates the final concentration of a solution after dilution. It's a fundamental calculation in chemistry and biology for preparing solutions of desired concentrations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution formula:

Where:

• \( C_1 \) — Initial concentration (mol/L)
• \( DF \) — Dilution factor (dimensionless)
• \( C_2 \) — Final concentration (mol/L)

Explanation: The formula shows that the final concentration is inversely proportional to the dilution factor. Higher dilution factors result in more diluted solutions.

3. Importance of Concentration Calculation

Details: Accurate concentration calculations are essential for preparing solutions in laboratory work, medical applications, and industrial processes. Proper dilution ensures experiments are conducted with the correct reagent concentrations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the initial concentration in mol/L and the dilution factor (must be >1 for dilution). The calculator will compute the final concentration in the same units as the initial concentration.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a dilution factor?
A: The dilution factor is the ratio of the final volume to the initial volume (V₂/V₁) or the inverse ratio of concentrations (C₁/C₂).

Q2: What are common dilution factors?
A: Common dilution factors include 1:10, 1:100, or 1:1000, corresponding to DF values of 10, 100, or 1000 respectively.

Q3: Can I use different concentration units?
A: Yes, as long as C₁ and C₂ use the same units. The calculator defaults to mol/L but works with any concentration unit.

Q4: What if my dilution factor is less than 1?
A: DF < 1 represents concentration, not dilution. This calculator is designed for dilution calculations only.

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