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Serial Dilution Formula:
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Serial dilution is a stepwise dilution of a substance in solution. It is commonly used in microbiology, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry to reduce the concentration of a sample in a systematic way, often to obtain a desired concentration or to create a concentration gradient.
The calculator uses the serial dilution formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the concentration after n-1 dilution steps, where each step dilutes the sample by the specified dilution factor.
Details: Serial dilution is essential for creating accurate concentration gradients in experiments, preparing standards for calibration curves, and obtaining countable colonies in microbiology. It allows researchers to work with manageable concentrations while maintaining precision.
Tips: Enter the initial concentration in any units, the dilution factor (must be greater than 1), and the step number (must be at least 1). All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is a typical dilution factor used in serial dilutions?
A: Common dilution factors include 2, 5, 10, or 100, depending on the application and desired concentration range.
Q2: Why is the exponent n-1 instead of n?
A: The exponent is n-1 because at step 1 (n=1), no dilution has occurred yet, so the concentration remains C1. The first dilution happens between step 1 and step 2.
Q3: Can I use this calculator for different units?
A: Yes, the calculator works with any consistent units (e.g., mg/mL, μM, %). Just ensure all concentrations use the same units.
Q4: What if my dilution factor changes between steps?
A: This calculator assumes a constant dilution factor. If dilution factors vary between steps, you would need to calculate each step separately.
Q5: How accurate are serial dilutions?
A: Accuracy depends on precise pipetting and mixing techniques. Errors can accumulate with each dilution step, so careful technique is essential for reliable results.