How do you perform a serial dilution?

1 Answer
Feb 4, 2017

You do it by steps for better accuracy.

Explanation:

Example:
If I wanted a dilution of 1:100, I could measure out 1 mL and dilute it to 100 mL in one go. With the 1mL pipette I have the accuracy would be #+-0.05mL# at best, which is #5%#

If I first measure out #10mL +-0.05=0.5%# and dilute it to #100mL+-0.15=0.15%# in a measuring flask, and then take #10mL+-0.05=0.5%# out of this flask to another one of #100mL+-0.15=0.15%# again, my total inaccuracy will be #0.5+0.15+0.5+0.15=1.3%#