Serial Dilution Concept

Serial dilution is the stepwise dilution of a substance in solution with a constant dilution factor.

Basic Formula

M₁V₁ = M₂V₂

Where M = Molarity (Concentration), V = Volume

DF = Vfinal / Vtransfer

DF = Dilution Factor

Example Situation

If you take 1 ml of stock solution (raw sample) and add it to 9 ml of solvent (distilled water):

  • Transfer Volume (Vsample) = 1 ml
  • Solvent Volume (Vdiluent) = 9 ml
  • Final Volume (Vtotal) = 10 ml
  • Dilution Factor = 10 / 1 = 10 (1:10 Dilution)