1. What is Dilution Factor?

The dilution factor (DF) is a dimensionless number that represents the ratio of the final volume to the initial volume in a dilution. It indicates how much a solution has been diluted.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution formula:

Where:

• \( DF \) — Dilution factor (dimensionless)
• \( Vf \) — Final volume after dilution (mL)
• \( Vi \) — Initial volume before dilution (mL)

Explanation: The equation calculates how many times the original solution was diluted by comparing the final volume to the initial volume.

3. Importance of Dilution Calculations

Details: Accurate dilution calculations are essential in laboratories, medicine preparation, chemistry experiments, and any situation requiring precise concentration adjustments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both volumes in milliliters (mL). Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the dilution factor.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a dilution factor of 10 mean?
A: A DF of 10 means the original solution was diluted 10 times (1 part solution + 9 parts diluent).

Q2: How is dilution factor related to concentration?
A: The concentration after dilution is the original concentration divided by the dilution factor.

Q3: Can dilution factor be less than 1?
A: No, since final volume (Vf) must be greater than initial volume (Vi) in a dilution, DF is always ≥1.

Q4: What's the difference between dilution factor and dilution ratio?
A: Dilution factor is a single number (Vf/Vi), while dilution ratio is typically expressed as (Vi:Vf-Vi).

Q5: How do I prepare a specific dilution?
A: First calculate required volumes using DF = Vf/Vi, then mix (Vf-Vi) volume of diluent with Vi volume of stock solution.