A dilution is a fundamental technique used to decrease the concentration of a substance (the solute) within a liquid (the solvent). This involves adding more solvent to a concentrated starting material, called the stock solution, without adding more solute. The result is a less concentrated solution where the solute is dispersed throughout a larger volume.
Understanding the 1 to 10 Ratio
A 1 to 10 dilution (1:10) expresses a specific reduction in concentration by describing the proportion of the concentrated substance to the total volume of the final mixture. The number “10” represents the total parts in the final solution, and “1” represents the part contributed by the concentrated material.
To achieve this ten-fold dilution, one part of the concentrated material is combined with nine parts of the diluent, typically water or another solvent. This results in a final concentration that is one-tenth that of the starting material. For example, a starting concentration of 100 milligrams per milliliter results in a final concentration of 10 milligrams per milliliter after a 1:10 dilution.
Practical Steps for Creating the Dilution
Creating a 1:10 dilution begins by selecting a uniform unit of volume for measurement, such as a milliliter or a cup. The first step is to accurately measure one unit of the concentrated stock solution into a clean container. This measured volume represents the “1” part of the 1:10 ratio.
Next, exactly nine units of the solvent must be measured and added to the same container. For example, 1 milliliter of stock solution requires the addition of 9 milliliters of water, resulting in a final total volume of 10 milliliters. In laboratory settings, precise instruments like calibrated pipettes are used to ensure the accuracy of both volumes.
The final step is to thoroughly mix the contents to ensure the solution is uniform. Proper mixing ensures the solute is evenly distributed throughout the solvent, creating a homogeneous solution. Failing to mix adequately results in inconsistent concentration, compromising the dilution’s intended purpose.
Where the 1 to 10 Dilution is Used
The 1:10 dilution is widely utilized across various fields due to its simplicity as a standard ten-fold reduction. In household and commercial settings, this ratio is frequently recommended for preparing cleaning and disinfecting solutions from concentrated products, such as diluting bleach with water. Following these instructions ensures the active ingredients are at the necessary strength.
Within biology and chemistry laboratories, the 1:10 dilution is a common starting point for preparing samples for analysis. For instance, a blood serum sample that is too concentrated for a testing machine may be diluted 1:10 to bring analyte levels into the measurable range. This ratio is also the foundation of a serial dilution, where researchers repeatedly perform a 1:10 dilution to create a set of progressively weaker solutions.