1. What is Dilution in Molarity?

Dilution in molarity refers to the process of reducing the concentration of a solution by adding more solvent while keeping the amount of solute constant. This is essential in physiological and laboratory settings for preparing solutions of specific concentrations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution formula:

Where:

• \( C_{final} \) — Final concentration after dilution (M)
• \( C_{initial} \) — Initial concentration before dilution (M)
• \( V_{initial} \) — Initial volume of concentrated solution (mL)
• \( V_{total} \) — Total volume after dilution (mL)

Explanation: The formula maintains conservation of mass - the amount of solute remains constant while the volume increases, resulting in decreased concentration.

3. Importance of Dilution Calculations

Details: Accurate dilution calculations are crucial for preparing physiological solutions, drug formulations, laboratory reagents, and ensuring proper concentrations for experiments and treatments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter initial concentration in molarity (M), initial volume in milliliters (mL), and total volume after dilution in milliliters (mL). Ensure total volume is greater than or equal to initial volume.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between dilution factor and dilution ratio?
A: Dilution factor is V_total/V_initial, while dilution ratio is expressed as 1:X (e.g., 1:10 means 1 part stock to 9 parts diluent).

Q2: Can I use different volume units?
A: Yes, as long as all volume units are consistent. The calculator uses mL, but you can convert from liters or other units.

Q3: What if I need to calculate the volume of stock solution needed?
A: Rearrange the formula: V_initial = (C_final × V_total) / C_initial

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This assumes ideal solutions and no volume change upon mixing. For precise work with non-ideal solutions, additional corrections may be needed.

Q5: How accurate should my measurements be?
A: Use calibrated glassware and precise measurements. For physiological applications, accuracy to 0.1% may be required.