How to Do Serial Dilutions of an Exponential Number

Diluting a property or solution means to render the original weaker by adding it to a base of a neutral solution. Serial dilutions refer to the process of diluting the solution by continually adding the mixed solution to another neutral base, with exponential growth being achieved by controlling the size of the solution to be continually diluted and keeping the identical size of the base. Serial dilutions of exponential growth can better illustrate how a substance reacts in differing environments.

Instructions

1. Take a fraction of the original solution and add it to a set amount of a neutral solution. For example, the original solution is red food coloring, and you extract 1 ml of the solution and add it to 9 ml of water.

2. Mix the extracted solution to the neutral solution to obtain equilibrium. For the example, mix the red food coloring with the water. Now you have obtained a 1/10 of the original solution and diluted the amount to the power of 10 to first degree or just 10.

3. Extract another fraction of the mixed solution and add it to another set amount of a neutral solution. For the example, extract 1 ml from the mixed solution and add it to another 9 ml of water. Mix the solution to obtain equilibrium. This will result in obtaining 1/100 of the original solution and diluted the amount to power of ten to the second degree or 100.

Tips & Warnings

• When performing the dilutions check the properties of the chemicals that you are working with and use the appropriate equipment and safety precautions.

References

• "Schaum's Outline of Beginning Chemistry"; David E. Goldberg; 2005