1. What is Dilution Factor?

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 the solution. A higher dilution factor indicates a more diluted solution.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution factor formula:

Where:

• \( V_{final} \) — Final volume after dilution (mL)
• \( V_{initial} \) — Initial volume before dilution (mL)

Explanation: The dilution factor quantifies the extent of dilution by comparing the total volume after dilution to the original volume of the concentrated solution.

3. Importance of Dilution Factor Calculation

Details: Accurate dilution factor calculation is crucial in laboratory settings, pharmaceutical preparations, and chemical experiments to ensure proper concentration levels and reproducible results.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both final and initial volumes in mL. All values must be valid (volumes > 0). The result is a unitless ratio.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a dilution factor of 1 mean?
A: A dilution factor of 1 means no dilution occurred - the final volume equals the initial volume.

Q2: How is dilution factor related to concentration?
A: The dilution factor is inversely proportional to concentration. A higher dilution factor means a lower concentration of the original substance.

Q3: Can dilution factor be less than 1?
A: No, dilution factor cannot be less than 1 as it represents a ratio of final to initial volume, and final volume should always be equal to or greater than initial volume in a dilution.

Q4: How do I calculate the original concentration from dilution factor?
A: Original concentration = Final concentration × Dilution Factor

Q5: What's the difference between dilution factor and dilution ratio?
A: Dilution factor is a mathematical ratio (e.g., 1:10 becomes 10), while dilution ratio is typically expressed as a ratio (e.g., 1:10).