Question

How does dilution affect molarity?

Answer 1

Diluting a sample will reduce the molarity.

For example if you have 5mL of a 2M solution which is diluted to a new volume of 10mL the molarity will be reduced to 1M.

To solve a problem like this one you'll apply the equation:
`M_1V_1` = `M_2V_2`

This would be solved to find
`M_2` = (`M_1V_1`)/`V_2`

`M_2` = (5mL*2M)/10mL

Here is a video that describes this process and provides another example of how to calculate the change in molarity when a solution is diluted.