Serial dilutions are used to accurately create extremely diluted solutions, as well as solutions for experiments that require a concentration curve with an exponential or logarithmic scale. Serial dilutions are widely used in experimental sciences, including biochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, and physics.

What are dilutions used for?

Dilution is the process of making a solution weaker or less concentrated. In microbiology, serial dilutions (log dilutions) are used to decrease a bacterial concentration to a required concentration for a specific test method, or to a concentration which is easier to count when plated to an agar plate.

Why would you use a dilution formula?

To dilute a solution means to add more solvent without the addition of more solute. The resulting solution is thoroughly mixed so as to ensure that all parts of the solution are identical.