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Serial Dilution Formula:
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Serial dilution is a stepwise dilution of a substance in solution. It's commonly used in microbiology, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry to reduce the concentration of a sample in a systematic way, making it easier to work with or measure.
The calculator uses the serial dilution formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the final concentration after performing n consecutive dilutions, each with the same dilution factor.
Details: Serial dilution is essential for creating standard curves, determining microbial counts, preparing samples for analysis, and achieving precise concentration ranges in experimental setups.
Tips: Enter initial concentration in appropriate units, dilution factor (must be > 1), and number of dilution steps. All values must be valid positive numbers.
Q1: What is a typical dilution factor used in serial dilutions?
A: Common dilution factors are 2, 5, or 10, but the factor can be any value greater than 1 depending on the application.
Q2: How do I choose the right number of dilution steps?
A: The number of steps depends on the desired final concentration range and the sensitivity of your detection method.
Q3: Can I use different dilution factors at each step?
A: This calculator assumes a constant dilution factor. For variable factors, the calculation would need to be done step by step.
Q4: What units should I use for concentration?
A: The units remain consistent throughout the calculation (e.g., mg/mL, M, μg/L). The result will be in the same units as the initial concentration.
Q5: How accurate are serial dilution calculations?
A: The mathematical calculation is exact, but practical accuracy depends on pipetting precision and technique during the dilution process.