1. What is the Dilution Equation?

The dilution equation \( C_2 = C_1 \times \frac{V_1}{V_2} \) is a fundamental formula in chemistry used to calculate the new concentration of a solution after dilution. It's widely used in laboratory settings, particularly with Thermo Fisher reagents and solutions.

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 maintains the conservation of mass principle, where the amount of solute remains constant before and after dilution.

3. Importance of Dilution Calculations

Details: Accurate dilution calculations are essential for preparing solutions of precise concentrations, which is critical for experiments, assays, and analytical procedures.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in consistent units (mol/L for concentration, liters for volume). Ensure all values are positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use different units with this calculator?
A: The calculator uses mol/L and liters by default. Convert your units to these before calculation.

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

Q3: How precise should my measurements be?
A: For laboratory work, use at least 4 decimal places for concentration and volume measurements.

Q4: Does this work for serial dilutions?
A: For serial dilutions, you need to perform the calculation for each dilution step sequentially.

Q5: Can I use this for non-chemical dilutions?
A: The principle works for any dilution where the solute quantity remains constant, but units must be consistent.