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Dilution Factor Formula:
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Dilution Factor (DF) is a measure of how much a solution has been diluted. It represents the ratio of the final volume to the initial volume of a solution after dilution.
The calculator uses the dilution factor formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the factor by which the original solution has been diluted. A DF of 1 means no dilution, while higher values indicate greater dilution.
Details: Dilution factor is crucial in laboratory settings for preparing solutions of desired concentrations, in pharmaceutical preparations, and in various analytical techniques where precise dilutions are required.
Tips: Enter both initial and final volumes in mL. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero. The final volume should be greater than or equal to the initial volume for meaningful results.
Q1: What does a dilution factor of 10 mean?
A: A DF of 10 means the solution has been diluted 10 times, meaning 1 part original solution was mixed with 9 parts diluent.
Q2: Can dilution factor be less than 1?
A: No, dilution factor cannot be less than 1 as it represents the ratio of final to initial volume, and final volume cannot be smaller than initial volume in a dilution.
Q3: How is dilution factor related to concentration?
A: Concentration after dilution = Original concentration / Dilution Factor. The DF indicates how much the concentration has decreased.
Q4: What's the difference between dilution factor and dilution ratio?
A: Dilution factor is a mathematical ratio (v2/v1), while dilution ratio is typically expressed as a ratio (e.g., 1:10 meaning 1 part sample to 9 parts diluent).
Q5: When should I use dilution factor calculations?
A: These calculations are essential in laboratory work, medical testing, pharmaceutical preparations, and any situation where precise solution preparation is required.