Dilutions Worksheet: Understanding the Concept and Calculations
Dilutions are a crucial concept in chemistry and biology, allowing us to prepare solutions of various concentrations. In this worksheet, we will explore the concept of dilutions, types of dilutions, and how to calculate the concentration of a solution after dilution.
Understanding Dilutions
A dilution is a process of reducing the concentration of a solution by adding more solvent to it. The resulting solution is less concentrated than the original solution. Dilutions are used in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and pharmacology.
Types of Dilutions
There are two main types of dilutions:
- Serial Dilution: A serial dilution involves making multiple dilutions in a series, where each dilution is made from the previous one.
- Parallel Dilution: A parallel dilution involves making multiple dilutions at the same time, where each dilution is made from the original solution.
Calculating Dilutions
To calculate the concentration of a solution after dilution, we use the following formula:
M1V1 = M2V2
Where:
- M1 is the initial concentration of the solution (in M, molarity)
- V1 is the initial volume of the solution (in liters)
- M2 is the final concentration of the solution (in M, molarity)
- V2 is the final volume of the solution (in liters)
💡 Note: The formula can be rearranged to solve for M2, V2, or M1, depending on the given values.
Examples and Calculations
Let’s consider some examples to illustrate the calculations:
- Example 1: A 10 mL solution of 2 M NaCl is diluted to 50 mL. What is the final concentration of the solution?
- Given values: M1 = 2 M, V1 = 10 mL, V2 = 50 mL
- Rearrange the formula to solve for M2: M2 = M1V1 / V2 = 2 M x 10 mL / 50 mL = 0.4 M
- Example 2: A 50 mL solution of 0.5 M KCl is diluted to 200 mL. What is the final concentration of the solution?
- Given values: M1 = 0.5 M, V1 = 50 mL, V2 = 200 mL
- Rearrange the formula to solve for M2: M2 = M1V1 / V2 = 0.5 M x 50 mL / 200 mL = 0.125 M
| Initial Concentration (M) | Initial Volume (mL) | Final Volume (mL) | Final Concentration (M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 10 | 50 | 0.4 |
| 0.5 | 50 | 200 | 0.125 |
Answer Key
- What is the final concentration of a 10 mL solution of 2 M NaCl diluted to 50 mL? Answer: 0.4 M
- What is the final concentration of a 50 mL solution of 0.5 M KCl diluted to 200 mL? Answer: 0.125 M
What is the purpose of dilution in chemistry?
+The purpose of dilution in chemistry is to reduce the concentration of a solution to a desired level, often to make it safer to handle or to prepare a solution for a specific experiment or application.
What is the difference between serial dilution and parallel dilution?
+Serial dilution involves making multiple dilutions in a series, where each dilution is made from the previous one. Parallel dilution involves making multiple dilutions at the same time, where each dilution is made from the original solution.
How do you calculate the concentration of a solution after dilution?
+To calculate the concentration of a solution after dilution, use the formula M1V1 = M2V2, where M1 and V1 are the initial concentration and volume, and M2 and V2 are the final concentration and volume.
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