Chapter B, Problem 1P

Practice calculating dilutions using the following problems.

1. Dilution:

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The serial dilution in the given samples.

Introduction:

The stepwise dilution of a solution is termed as a serial dilution. Generally, the dilution factor at each stage of serial dilution is constant and leads to geometric progression in a logarithmic manner of the concentration of the sample. Serial dilutions are used to dilute the given substance at a very high level and serial dilutions are also used in the formation of concentration curves.

Explanation of Solution

The samples where serial dilution is occurring is shown below:

  

1 ml of the sample is mixed in 99ml solvent. So, the total solution is of 100 ml.

Hence, in tube 1 the serial dilution is of 1:100.

Now, 1 ml of the sample from tube 1 is poured to 99 ml solvent in tube 2. So, the total volume of the solution in tube 2 becomes 100 ml.

Hence, in tube 2 the serial dilution is now =$\frac{1}{100}\times \frac{1}{100}=\frac{1}{10000}$

Now, 1 ml of the sample from tube 2 is poured to 9 ml solvent in tube 3. So, the total volume of the solution in tube 3 becomes 10 ml.

Hence, in tube 3 the serial dilution is now = $\frac{1}{10000}\times \frac{1}{10}=\frac{1}{100000}$

Now, 1 ml of the sample from tube 3 is poured to 9 ml solvent in tube 4. So, the total volume of the solution in tube 4 becomes 10 ml.

Hence, in tube 4 the serial dilution is now = $\frac{1}{100000}\times \frac{1}{10}=\frac{1}{1000000}$

Conclusion

The samples where serial dilution is occurring is shown below: