1. What is Serial Dilution?

Serial dilution is a stepwise dilution of a substance in solution where each step uses the previous dilution as its starting point. It's commonly used in microbiology, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry to create a series of solutions with decreasing concentrations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the serial dilution equation:

Where:

• \( C_n \) — Final concentration after n dilutions (M)
• \( C_0 \) — Initial concentration (M)
• \( DF \) — Dilution factor (dimensionless)
• \( n \) — Number of dilution steps

Explanation: The equation shows that with each dilution step, the concentration decreases exponentially by the dilution factor.

3. Importance of Serial Dilution

Details: Serial dilutions are essential for creating standard curves, determining unknown concentrations, and preparing samples with concentrations within the detection range of instruments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter initial concentration in molarity (M), dilution factor (typically 2, 5, or 10), and number of dilution steps. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical dilution factor?
A: Common dilution factors are 2 (two-fold), 5 (five-fold), or 10 (ten-fold), but any factor >1 can be used.

Q2: How accurate is serial dilution?
A: Accuracy depends on precise pipetting technique. Each dilution step compounds any errors from previous steps.

Q3: When should I use serial vs. parallel dilution?
A: Serial dilution is more efficient when you need many dilutions covering a wide range. Parallel dilution is better when you need independent dilutions.

Q4: What's the maximum practical number of dilution steps?
A: Typically 6-10 steps, as beyond this the concentration becomes too low to measure accurately.

Q5: How do I choose the initial concentration?
A: Start with a concentration that, after your planned dilutions, will cover the expected range of your samples or standards.