Dilution Calculations

Previously in this lesson, the concentration calculations that we have done essentially involved preparing a solution
from scratch. We started with separate solvent and solute and figured out how much of each you would need to use.

Quite often, however, solutions are prepared by diluting a more concentrated solution. For example, if you needed a
one molar solution you could start with a six molar solution and dilute it. Consequently, you also need to be familiar
with the calculations that are associated with dilutions.

There is an element of simplicity in calculations of these

types and the element of simplicity is that the number of
moles of solute stays the same, as shown here. The number
of moles of solute in the concentrated solution (indicated molescon = molesdil
by the subscripted   molescon) is equal to the number of
moles in the dilute solution. You have simply increased the
amount of solvent in the solution.

Of course you know that the number of moles of solute in

the concentrated solution is equal to the molarity of the
concentrated solution times the volume of the
concentrated solution. Also, the number of moles of solute
in the dilute solution is equal to the molarity of the dilute molescon = molesdil
solution times the volume of the dilute solution. Since we Mcon x volcon = Mdil x voldil
are really interested in the molarities and volumes we can (Mconc) (Vconc) = (Mdil) (Vdil)
substitute and use the equation shown in the second line
(or third line, depending on your preference for how to
show multiplication). Let's use this equation in a few
examples.

 
Examples (Ex. 6)

Calculating New Concentration (Ex. 6a)In this example

you are asked what the concentration of a solution would
be if it were made by diluting 50.0 ml of 0.40 M NaCl
A chemist starts with 50.0 mL of a 0.40 M NaCl solution
solution to 1000. ml. As a general procedure, I recommend
and dilutes it to 1000. mL. What is the concentration of
that you first write down the equation that is given in the
NaCl in the new solution?
first line: the molarity of the concentrated solution times
the volume of the concentrated solution is equal to the (Mcon) (Vcon) = (Mdil) (Vdil)
molarity of the dilute solution times the volume of the (0.40 M) (50.0 mL) = (Mdil) (1000. mL)
dilute solution. Next, substitute the known values into the (0.40 M) (50.0 mL)
equation as shown in the next line. Then rearrange the = (Mdil)
(1000. mL)    
equation to solve for the unknown value. In this case that
0.020 M = Mdil
is done by dividing both sides of the equation by 1000. ml.
Last, carry out the necessary calculations to get, in this
case, .020 M.
A chemist wants to make 500. mL of 0.050 M HCl by
 Calculating Initial Volume (Ex. 6b) The question in this diluting a 6.0 M HCl solution. How much of that solution
example is different only in that you are asked to should be used?
determine a volume instead of a concentration. The (Mcon) (Vcon) = (Mdil) (Vdil)
process used to answer the question is the same as in the
(Mdil) (Vdil)
previous example. Write down the algebraic equation that
(Vcon) = --------------
represents the relationship. Rearrange the equation to
   (Mcon)
solve for the unknown quantity. Substitute numbers (and
units) for the known values. (The second and third steps (0.050 M)(500.mL)
can be reversed if you wish.) Calculate the unknown value (V con) = ----------------------
(which now becomes known).        (6.0 M)
Vcon = 4.2 mL

 If you have any questions about how to do these kinds of problems, please ask the instructor.