Solution dilution is a process whereby the concentration of a solute in a solution is decreased by adding more solvent. It helps chemists and students create solutions of desired concentrations for experiments and various applications.
The fundamental principle behind dilution is that the number of moles of solute remains constant before and after dilution. Consequently, the dilution formula \(C_1V_1 = C_2V_2\) is used to calculate how much solvent is needed or to find the new concentration.
The formula is interpreted as:
- \(C_1\) and \(V_1\) are the initial concentration and volume, respectively.
- \(C_2\) is the final concentration we want to find, and \(V_2\) is the final volume after dilution.
This formula allows for the practical application of dilutions in various fields, such as pharmaceuticals, food industry, and biochemistry. Understanding how to apply this concept is crucial for designing experiments and ensuring precise measurements in solution chemistry.