Molarity is the standard unit of concentration in chemistry, defining the number of moles of a solute dissolved per liter of solution. Accurately calculating molarity and planning dilutions is an essential laboratory skill for preparing chemical reagents, pharmaceutical formulations, and biological assays with precise therapeutic or reactive properties.
Concentration & Dilution Formulas
Molarity: M = Moles of Solute / Liters of Solution
Dilution: M₁ × V₁ = M₂ × V₂
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the calculation type: Base Molarity or Solution Dilution.
- For Molarity, enter the mass of the solute, its molar mass, and the final solution volume.
- For Dilution, input the starting concentration/volume and the desired final target.
- Click Calculate to receive exact laboratory prep measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the dilution equation work?
The M₁V₁ = M₂V₂ equation relies on the principle of conservation of mass. Adding solvent (like water) increases the total volume and decreases the concentration, but the actual number of moles of the active chemical remains exactly the same.
What is a stock solution?
A stock solution is a highly concentrated, stable chemical solution kept in a laboratory. Instead of measuring out microscopic amounts of raw chemicals every time, scientists take a small volume of the stock solution and dilute it to the exact concentration needed for an experiment.