1. What is the Dilution Formula?

The dilution formula calculates the final molarity of a solution after dilution. It is based on the principle of conservation of moles, where the number of moles of solute remains constant before and after dilution.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution formula:

Where:

• \( M_f \) — Final molarity (mol/L)
• \( M_i \) — Initial molarity (mol/L)
• \( V_i \) — Initial volume (L)
• \( V_f \) — Final volume (L)

Explanation: The formula maintains that the number of moles of solute remains constant during dilution, allowing calculation of the new concentration when solvent is added.

3. Importance of Dilution Calculations

Details: Accurate dilution calculations are essential in laboratory settings for preparing solutions of specific concentrations, in pharmaceutical preparations, and in various chemical and biological experiments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter initial molarity in mol/L, initial volume in liters, and final volume in liters. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does the number of moles remain constant during dilution?
A: Dilution only adds solvent, not solute, so the amount of dissolved substance (number of moles) stays the same while the total volume increases.

Q2: Can I use different volume units in the calculation?
A: Yes, as long as both volume measurements use the same unit (mL, L, etc.), the formula will work correctly.

Q3: What if the final volume is less than the initial volume?
A: This would represent concentration, not dilution. The formula still applies mathematically but conceptually it's evaporation or concentration rather than dilution.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically exact. Practical accuracy depends on the precision of your measurements and the assumption of ideal solution behavior.

Q5: Can this formula be used for serial dilutions?
A: Yes, for serial dilutions, you would apply this formula sequentially for each dilution step in the series.