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Dilution Factor Formula:
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The dilution factor (DF) is a dimensionless number 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 formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the factor by which the original 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 laboratory settings for preparing solutions of specific concentrations, in pharmaceutical manufacturing for drug formulation, and in various industrial processes where precise dilutions are required.
Tips: Enter both final volume and initial volume in milliliters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What does a dilution factor of 10 mean?
A: A dilution factor of 10 means the original solution has been diluted 10 times, typically by adding 9 parts diluent to 1 part original solution.
Q2: How is dilution factor related to concentration?
A: The concentration after dilution is equal to the original concentration divided by the dilution factor.
Q3: Can dilution factor be less than 1?
A: No, dilution factor is always greater than or equal to 1 since the final volume cannot be smaller than the initial volume in a dilution process.
Q4: What's the difference between dilution factor and dilution ratio?
A: Dilution factor is a single number (V_f/V_i), while dilution ratio is typically expressed as a ratio (e.g., 1:10 meaning 1 part sample to 9 parts diluent).
Q5: How do I calculate serial dilutions?
A: For serial dilutions, multiply the individual dilution factors together to get the overall dilution factor.