1. What is Dilution Factor?

The dilution factor (DF) is a dimensionless value that represents the ratio of the final volume to the initial volume in a dilution process. It indicates how many times a sample has been diluted.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution factor formula:

Where:

• \( DF \) — Dilution Factor (dimensionless)
• \( V_f \) — Final volume after dilution
• \( V_i \) — Initial volume before dilution

Explanation: For a 1:10 dilution, the dilution factor would be 10, meaning the sample has been diluted 10 times.

3. Importance of Dilution Factor

Details: Dilution factor is crucial in laboratory settings for preparing samples of appropriate concentration for analysis, ensuring accurate measurements in various scientific experiments and diagnostic tests.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the initial volume and final volume in consistent units (mL recommended). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a dilution factor of 10 mean?
A: A dilution factor of 10 means the original sample has been diluted 10 times, typically by adding 9 parts diluent to 1 part sample.

Q2: How is dilution factor different from dilution ratio?
A: Dilution factor represents the total dilution (e.g., 10x), while dilution ratio describes the proportion (e.g., 1:10 means 1 part sample to 9 parts diluent).

Q3: Can dilution factor be less than 1?
A: No, dilution factor should always be greater than or equal to 1, as it represents the factor by which concentration decreases.

Q4: How do I calculate the concentration after dilution?
A: Final concentration = Initial concentration ÷ Dilution factor.

Q5: What are common dilution factors used in laboratories?
A: Common dilution factors include 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100, depending on the application and required concentration range.