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Serial Dilution Formula:
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Serial dilution is a stepwise dilution of a substance in solution. The calculation determines the concentration after n successive 10-fold dilutions, commonly used in laboratory settings for creating precise concentration gradients.
The calculator uses the serial dilution formula:
Where:
Explanation: Each 10-fold dilution reduces the concentration by a factor of 10. After n such dilutions, the concentration becomes C₀ divided by 10ⁿ.
Details: Serial dilutions are essential in various scientific fields including microbiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology for creating concentration gradients, determining minimal inhibitory concentrations, and preparing standard curves for quantitative assays.
Tips: Enter the initial concentration in ng/μL and the number of 10-fold dilutions (n). Both values must be valid (concentration > 0, n ≥ 0).
Q1: What is a 10-fold dilution?
A: A 10-fold dilution means taking 1 part of the original solution and adding 9 parts of diluent, resulting in a 1:10 dilution ratio.
Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation provides theoretical values. Actual results may vary slightly due to pipetting accuracy and other experimental factors.
Q3: Can I use this for different dilution factors?
A: This calculator is specifically for 10-fold serial dilutions. For other dilution factors, a different formula would be needed.
Q4: What if I need to calculate intermediate dilutions?
A: For intermediate dilution steps, you would need to calculate each step separately or modify the formula accordingly.
Q5: Are there limitations to serial dilution calculations?
A: The main limitations include pipetting errors, evaporation effects, and the assumption of perfect mixing at each dilution step.