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Dilution Factor Equation:
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The Dilution Factor (DF) is a dimensionless quantity that represents the ratio of the final volume to the initial volume in a dilution process. It indicates how many times a solution has been diluted.
The calculator uses the Dilution Factor equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the factor by which a solution has been diluted by comparing the final volume after dilution to the initial volume before dilution.
Details: Accurate dilution factor calculation is crucial in various scientific and medical applications, including laboratory experiments, pharmaceutical preparations, and clinical diagnostics where precise concentration adjustments are required.
Tips: Enter both final volume and initial volume in liters. Both values must be valid (greater than 0). The calculator will compute the dilution factor as a dimensionless quantity.
Q1: What does a dilution factor of 1 mean?
A: A dilution factor of 1 means no dilution has occurred - the final volume equals the initial volume.
Q2: How is dilution factor related to concentration?
A: The dilution factor is inversely proportional to concentration. A higher dilution factor means a more diluted solution with lower concentration.
Q3: Can dilution factor be less than 1?
A: No, dilution factor cannot be less than 1 since final volume after dilution should always be greater than or equal to the initial volume.
Q4: What units should I use for volume measurements?
A: While liters are used in this calculator, any consistent volume unit can be used (mL, μL, etc.) as long as both volumes are in the same units.
Q5: How does dilution factor differ from dilution ratio?
A: Dilution factor represents the total dilution (V_f/V_i), while dilution ratio typically expresses the proportion of solute to solvent (e.g., 1:10).