Home
Back
Dilution Formula:
| From: | To: |
The dilution calculation formula \( C_i V_i = C_f V_f \) is a fundamental equation in chemistry used to calculate the concentration of a solution after dilution. It states that the product of initial concentration and volume equals the product of final concentration and volume.
The formula is based on the principle of conservation of mass:
Where:
Explanation: The formula demonstrates that when you dilute a solution, the amount of solute remains constant while the concentration decreases as volume increases.
Details: Dilution calculations are essential in laboratory settings, pharmaceutical preparations, chemical manufacturing, and various scientific experiments where precise concentration adjustments are required.
Tips: Enter all four values (initial concentration, initial volume, final concentration, final volume) to verify if the dilution formula holds true. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What units should I use for concentration?
A: The units for concentration should be consistent (e.g., mg/mL, M, %). The formula works with any concentration units as long as they're the same for both initial and final concentrations.
Q2: Can I use different volume units?
A: Yes, but initial and final volume units must be the same (e.g., both in liters or both in milliliters).
Q3: What if I need to find one unknown value?
A: The calculator can be rearranged to solve for any one variable if the other three are known: \( C_i = \frac{C_f V_f}{V_i} \), \( V_i = \frac{C_f V_f}{C_i} \), \( C_f = \frac{C_i V_i}{V_f} \), \( V_f = \frac{C_i V_i}{C_f} \).
Q4: Does this formula work for all types of solutions?
A: The formula works for ideal solutions where volume changes are additive. For non-ideal solutions, corrections may be needed.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically exact. Accuracy in practical applications depends on the precision of measurements and the ideality of the solution.