1. What is Serial Dilution?

Serial dilution is a stepwise dilution of a substance in solution. The total dilution factor (DF_t) is calculated as the product of individual dilution factors (DF_i) at each step.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the serial dilution formula:

Where:

• \( DF_t \) — Total dilution factor (dimensionless)
• \( DF_i \) — Individual dilution factors at each step (dimensionless)

Explanation: The total dilution is the multiplicative product of all individual dilution steps in the series.

3. Importance of Serial Dilution Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of total dilution factor is crucial for preparing solutions of specific concentrations, microbiological assays, and various laboratory procedures requiring precise dilution series.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter individual dilution factors separated by commas (e.g., "2,5,10"). All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a dilution factor?
A: A dilution factor represents the ratio of the final volume to the aliquot volume in a dilution step (e.g., DF = 10 means 1 part sample + 9 parts diluent).

Q2: How do I calculate individual dilution factors?
A: Individual DF = Total volume / Sample volume. For example, adding 1 mL sample to 9 mL diluent gives DF = 10.

Q3: What's the difference between dilution factor and concentration?
A: Dilution factor is the inverse of the concentration ratio. A DF of 10 means the concentration is 1/10 of the original.

Q4: Can I use decimal values for dilution factors?
A: Yes, the calculator accepts decimal values for more precise dilution calculations.

Q5: What if I get an extremely large total dilution factor?
A: Large total DFs are common in serial dilutions. The calculator can handle very large numbers within computational limits.