For the following problems you need to know the ratio of the

For the following problems, you need to know the ratio of the diluent to the sample aliquot. For instance, if you are making a 1:20 dilution, the ratio of diluent to aliquot will be 1 unit less than the dilution factor, i.e., 20 parts total, 19 parts diluent, 1 part sample aliquot. What is the dilution factor when 0.2 mL sample is added to 3.8 mL diluent? What is the concentration factor?

Solution

The dilution factor when 0.2 mL sample is added to 3.8 mL diluent is given below:

Dilution Factor = final volume/aliquot volume

                       = 0.2 + 3.8 / 0.2 = 4/0.2 = 20

Concentration factor = aliquot volume/final volume = 1/ 20 = 0.05