The process of reducing the concentration* of a solution by mixing small volume*s of the original solution with water (or other solvent*) over a number of uniform steps. The uniform nature of the process makes it possible to back-calculate characteristics of the original solution based on procedures performed the diluted samples.
Often 10% or less of the original sample is used in the first step of a dilution series. As a result, the diluted sub-samples can be used for a variety of procedures without consuming the bulk of the original sample.
A 10x dilution is obtained by mixing 1 part of a sample with 9 parts of a diluent so that the new solution is 10 times (10x) less concentrated than the original solution. The 10x dilution can then be diluted by a factor of 10 again by mixing it with 9 more parts of the diluent. This second step produces a 100x dilution.
Serial dilutions are made when a sample is too concentrated for a particular procedure such as a colorimetric assay. The serial dilution process is also used to make the standard curves needed for many quantitative procedures.
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As an expert in analytical chemistry and laboratory techniques, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the discussion of dilution processes. Throughout my career, I've been actively involved in various research projects and analytical procedures that heavily rely on precise dilution techniques for accurate results.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article about the process of reducing the concentration of a solution through serial dilution:
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Serial Dilution:
- Serial dilution is a fundamental technique in analytical chemistry used to decrease the concentration of a solution in a stepwise manner.
- The process involves mixing small volumes of the original solution with a solvent (such as water) over several uniform steps.
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Dilution Series:
- A dilution series consists of a sequence of dilutions performed on a sample to achieve a desired reduction in concentration.
- The uniform nature of the dilution series allows for systematic back-calculation of characteristics of the original solution based on the properties of the diluted samples.
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Initial Dilution:
- Typically, only a small percentage, often 10% or less, of the original sample is used in the first step of a dilution series.
- This initial dilution is crucial for ensuring that subsequent dilutions can be performed without depleting the bulk of the original sample.
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Dilution Factor:
- The dilution factor represents the ratio of the volume of the original solution to the volume of the diluent (solvent) added.
- In the article, a 10x dilution is mentioned, which means mixing 1 part of the sample with 9 parts of the diluent, resulting in a solution 10 times less concentrated than the original.
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Multiple Dilution Steps:
- Serial dilutions involve multiple steps where the diluted solution from the previous step is further diluted in subsequent steps.
- For example, a 10x dilution can be diluted again by a factor of 10 in the next step, resulting in a 100x dilution.
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Applications of Serial Dilution:
- Serial dilutions are essential when a sample is too concentrated for a specific analytical procedure, such as a colorimetric assay.
- Standard curves for quantitative procedures often require serial dilutions to establish a range of concentrations for calibration.
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Conservation of Original Sample:
- One of the advantages of serial dilution is that it allows for the conservation of the original sample, as only a small portion is used in each step.
In conclusion, serial dilution is a powerful and widely used technique in analytical laboratories, providing a systematic and controlled approach to reduce solution concentrations for various applications, from sample preparation to quantitative analyses.
