The c1v1 calculator is a fundamental tool used in chemistry and biology to determine the relationship between concentration and volume during the dilution process. Whether you are preparing a buffer or adjusting a stock solution, this calculator helps you find the exact proportions needed.
c1v1 calculator
c1v1 calculator Formula:
Formula Source: Sigma-Aldrich Technical Library, Thermo Fisher Scientific
Variables:
- c1: The concentration of the starting (stock) solution.
- v1: The volume of the starting solution required.
- c2: The desired final concentration of the diluted solution.
- v2: The total final volume of the solution after dilution.
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What is c1v1 calculator?
The c1v1 calculator (also known as the dilution formula) represents the principle of conservation of mass. It states that the amount of solute remains constant before and after dilution. When you add solvent to a solution, the total volume increases while the concentration decreases, but the product of concentration and volume remains the same.
This equation is indispensable in laboratory settings for preparing working solutions from concentrated stocks. It ensures precision in experimental setups, allowing researchers to achieve specific chemical or biological concentrations efficiently.
How to Calculate c1v1 calculator (Example):
- Identify the three known variables (e.g., c1 = 10M, c2 = 2M, v2 = 500ml).
- Choose the missing variable to solve for (e.g., v1).
- Rearrange the formula: v1 = (c2 × v2) / c1.
- Plug in the numbers: (2 × 500) / 10 = 100ml.
- Result: You need 100ml of the 10M stock to make 500ml of 2M solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use different units for c1 and c2? No, you must ensure that concentration units (e.g., Molarity, mg/mL) and volume units (e.g., mL, L) are consistent on both sides of the equation.
What if I enter all four variables? Our calculator will check for mathematical consistency. If c1*v1 does not equal c2*v2 within a small margin of error, it will notify you.
Is this only for liquids? While primarily used for liquid dilutions, it applies to any scenario where the total amount of “substance” is conserved during a concentration change.
What happens if the result is negative? Mathematically, concentration and volume cannot be negative. If the inputs lead to a negative value, please verify your data entry.