## Confusion with the formula M1V1=M2V2

405318478
Posts: 90
Joined: Sat Jul 20, 2019 12:16 am

### Confusion with the formula M1V1=M2V2

I don't understand in dilution, when a question states that, for example, when a 10mL solution is diluted with 20mL, is the final volume 30mL or 20mL? Would the "final" volume that would be used in the equation be the total volume of the final solution, or the amount added?

Posts: 103
Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2019 12:18 am

### Re: Confusion with the formula M1V1=M2V2

The final volume (V2) would be the sum of the initial volume (10 mL) and what was added to the solution (20 mL). Thus, the final volume would be 30 mL.

chrisleung-2J
Posts: 112
Joined: Fri Aug 09, 2019 12:17 am
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### Re: Confusion with the formula M1V1=M2V2

It depends on how the problem is worded. If a 10mL solution is diluted WITH 20mL, I believe that the final volume would be 30mL. However, if the 10mL solution is diluted TO 20mL, the final volume would be 20mL. In either case, you need to use the final total volume of the solution after the dilution has occurred for V2 in the formula, NOT the volume of water added to dilute the solution.

Posts: 54
Joined: Sat Jul 20, 2019 12:17 am

### Re: Confusion with the formula M1V1=M2V2

The final volume would be the total amount added plus the original amount. If a problem says 10ml is diluted WITH 20ml that seems to imply that 20ml are being added to the original 10ml making your final volume 30ml.