1. What is the Dilution Factor Formula?

The dilution factor formula calculates the final molarity (M₂) of a solution after dilution by dividing the initial molarity (M₁) by the dilution factor (DF). This is essential in laboratory preparations and solution standardization.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution formula:

Where:

• \( M_1 \) — Initial molarity (mol/L)
• \( DF \) — Dilution factor (dimensionless)
• \( M_2 \) — Final molarity after dilution (mol/L)

Explanation: The formula shows that the concentration decreases proportionally with the dilution factor. A DF of 2 means the solution is twice as dilute.

3. Importance of Dilution Calculations

Details: Accurate dilution calculations are crucial for preparing standard solutions, performing titrations, and ensuring proper concentrations in chemical and biological experiments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter initial molarity in mol/L and dilution factor (must be >1 for dilution). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical dilution factor range?
A: Common DF values range from 2-100 in most laboratory applications, though extreme dilutions may use factors up to 10,000 or more.

Q2: How does this relate to serial dilutions?
A: Serial dilutions involve multiple dilution steps - the total DF is the product of individual dilution factors at each step.

Q3: What's the difference between DF and dilution ratio?
A: DF is the inverse of the dilution ratio (1:10 ratio = DF of 10). DF directly relates to concentration change.

Q4: When should I use molarity vs. normality?
A: Use molarity for general chemistry. Normality is preferred for acid-base or redox reactions where equivalence matters.

Q5: How precise should my measurements be?
A: For most applications, 4 significant figures is sufficient. Analytical work may require higher precision.