What is the dilution equation used to find the relationship between concentrations and volumes?

The dilution equation M1V1 = M2V2 is used to establish the relationship between initial concentration and volume of a solution (M1 and V1) to the final concentration and volume after dilution (M2 and V2). In this equation, M1 represents the molarity of the concentrated solution before dilution, V1 is the volume of that concentrated solution, M2 is the molarity of the diluted solution, and V2 is the volume of the diluted solution.

When a solution is diluted, the number of moles of solute remains constant before and after the dilution. This means that the product of the concentration and volume of the concentrated solution (M1V1) must equal the product of the concentration and volume of the diluted solution (M2V2). Thus, this equation is essential for accurately calculating how to dilute a solution to achieve a desired concentration.

Understanding this relationship allows chemists and students to prepare solutions at specific concentrations by simply measuring appropriate volumes and knowing the starting concentration. This principle is widely used in laboratory settings and is fundamental in various applications, including titration and preparing stock solutions.