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 process. 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 has been diluted by comparing the final volume to the initial volume.

3. Importance of Dilution Factor

Details: Dilution factor is crucial in laboratory settings for preparing solutions of desired concentrations, in medical diagnostics for sample preparation, and in various industrial processes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both final and initial 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 1 mean?
A: A DF of 1 means no dilution occurred (final volume equals initial volume).

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 cannot be less than initial volume in a dilution.

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 a ratio (e.g., 1:10).

Q5: How do serial dilutions affect the total dilution factor?
A: In serial dilutions, the total DF is the product of individual dilution factors.