Dilution (equation)

Dilution (equation)

Dilution is a reduction in the concentration of a chemical (gas, vapor, solution). It is the process of reducing the concentration of a solute in solution, usually simply by mixing with more solvent. To dilute a solution means to add more solvent without the addition of more solute. The resulting solution is thoroughly mixed so as to ensure that all parts of the solution are identical.

The same direct relationship applies to gases and vapors diluted in air for example. Although, thorough mixing of gases and vapors may not be as easily accomplished.

For example, if there are 10 grams of salt (the solute) dissolved in 1 litre of water (the solvent), this solution has a certain salt concentration/molarity. If one adds 1 litre of water to this solution the salt concentration is reduced. The diluted solution still contains 10 grams of salt/(0.171 moles of NaCl).

Mathematically this relationship can be shown in the equation:

Where:

Initial concentration or molarity.

Initial volume.

Final concentration or molarity.

Final volume