1. What is the Dilution Equation?

The dilution equation (C₁V₁ = C₂V₂) describes how the concentration of a solution changes when it is diluted. It's based on the principle of conservation of mass - 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 after dilution (mol/L)

Explanation: The equation shows that concentration is inversely proportional to volume when the amount of solute is constant.

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 three known values (C₁, V₁, and V₂) in their respective units. All values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the final concentration (C₂).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use different units for volume?
A: Yes, as long as V₁ and V₂ are in the same units. The calculator currently uses liters (L) but you can use milliliters (mL) if you're consistent.

Q2: What if I need to calculate a different variable?
A: The equation can be rearranged to solve for any variable: C₁ = C₂V₂/V₁, V₁ = C₂V₂/C₁, or V₂ = C₁V₁/C₂.

Q3: Does this work for serial dilutions?
A: For serial dilutions, you need to apply the equation sequentially for each dilution step.

Q4: What are common mistakes in dilution calculations?
A: Common mistakes include unit inconsistencies, not accounting for significant figures, and misunderstanding the difference between dilution factor and concentration.

Q5: How precise should my measurements be?
A: The precision depends on your application. Analytical chemistry often requires 4+ significant figures, while classroom experiments may only need 2-3.