Serial Dilution- Definition, Formula, Calculator, Procedure, Uses
Serial dilution is a technique used to reduce the concentration of a substance in a solution. It is a simple and efficient way to create a series of solutions with gradually decreasing concentrations of a particular substance. This method is widely used in various fields, including microbiology, biochemistry, environmental science, and analytical chemistry, among others. In this article, we will discuss the definition, formula, procedure, calculator, and uses of serial dilution.
Serial Dilution Definition:
Serial dilution is the process of diluting a substance in a solution in a fixed proportion, resulting in a series of solutions with decreasing concentrations of the substance. This process is repeated several times to obtain a series of solutions with progressively lower concentrations.
Serial Dilution Formula:
The formula for serial dilution is given by: C1V1 = C2V2 Where C1 and C2 represent the initial and final concentrations of the substance, and V1 and V2 represent the corresponding volumes of the solutions. This equation represents the relationship between the concentration and volume of the solution, and it is used to calculate the concentration of the dilution.
Serial Dilution Procedure:
The procedure for serial dilution typically involves the following steps:
- Prepare a stock solution of the substance to be diluted. The stock solution should have a known concentration and should be stored appropriately to maintain its stability.
- Measure a fixed volume of the stock solution, usually 1 mL or more. This volume will be used as the starting point for the dilution.
- Transfer the measured volume of the stock solution to a larger container, typically a volumetric flask. The container should have a sufficient volume to accommodate the dilution.
- Add a fixed volume of diluent, usually water, to the container to make up the final volume. The diluent should be appropriate for the substance being diluted, as some substances may react with certain diluents.
- Mix the solution thoroughly to ensure that the substance is evenly distributed.
- Repeat the process to obtain a series of solutions with decreasing concentrations of the substance.
Serial Dilution Calculator:
There are online calculators available that can perform serial dilutions for you. Simply enter the initial concentration, final concentration, and volumes of the stock solution and diluent, and the calculator will perform the dilution for you. This is a convenient tool for researchers who need to perform many serial dilutions in a short period of time.
Serial Dilution Uses:
Serial dilution is used in various applications, including:
- Microbiology: To determine the concentration of microorganisms in a sample. Serial dilution is used to enumerate bacteria or other microorganisms in a sample. By diluting the sample, it is possible to determine the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) present in the sample.
- Biochemistry: To determine the concentration of enzymes or other substances in a sample. Serial dilution can be used to determine the concentration of an enzyme in a sample. By determining the activity of the enzyme in several dilutions, it is possible to determine the concentration of the enzyme in the sample.
- Analytical chemistry: To prepare solutions with known concentrations for use as standards or to perform titrations. Serial dilution can be used to prepare standard solutions of a substance with known concentrations. These solutions can then be used as standards for analytical purposes, such as titrations or spectrophotometry experiments.
- Environmental science: To determine the concentration of pollutants in water or air samples. Serial dilution can be used to determine the concentration of pollutants in environmental samples, such as water or air. By diluting the sample, it is possible to determine the concentration of pollutants at a low enough
Online Serial Dilution Calculator In 2023
- Omni Calculator (https://www.omnicalculator.com/chemistry/serial-dilution)
- AAT Bioquest, Inc. (https://www.aatbio.com/tools/serial-dilution)
- Merck (https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/chemistry/stockroom-reagents/learning-center/technical-library/solution-dilution-calculator.html)
- Endmemo (http://www.endmemo.com/bio/dilution.php)
- Handymath (https://handymath.com/cgi-bin/serdil6.cgi?submit=Entry)
- Fluffy Frog (http://fluffyfrog.net/calc/)
- Functional Biosciences (https://functionalbio.com/web/calc.php)
- CUSABIO (https://www.cusabio.com/m-298.html)
- Tocris Bioscience (https://www.tocris.com/resources/dilution-calculator)
- Physiology Web (https://www.physiologyweb.com/calculators/dilution_calculator_mass_per_volume.html)
- ApexBio Technology (http://www.apexbt.com/dilution-calculator)
- CiteAb (https://www.citeab.com/toolbox/dilutions)
- Selleck Chemicals (https://www.selleckchem.com/dilutioncalculator.jsp)