How do you prepare a dilute solution from a concentrated one?

You prepare a dilute solution from a concentrated one by adding a solvent, usually water, to the concentrated solution.

To prepare a dilute solution from a concentrated one, you need to understand the concept of dilution. Dilution is the process of reducing the concentration of a solute in a solution, usually by mixing with more of the solvent. The solvent is often water, but it can be any substance that the solute can dissolve in.

The first step in preparing a dilute solution is to measure a specific volume of the concentrated solution. This can be done using a pipette or a measuring cylinder, depending on the required accuracy. The concentrated solution is then transferred to a volumetric flask.

The next step is to add the solvent to the volumetric flask containing the concentrated solution. It's important to add the solvent slowly and mix the solution thoroughly to ensure that the solute is evenly distributed throughout the solution. The solvent is added until the solution reaches the mark on the neck of the volumetric flask. This ensures that the final volume of the solution is known, which is crucial for calculating the final concentration of the solution.

Remember, when preparing a dilute solution, always add the concentrated solution to the solvent, not the other way around. This is because adding solvent to a concentrated solution can cause a violent reaction, especially if the solution is acidic or alkaline.

Finally, it's important to note that the process of dilution does not change the total amount of solute in the solution. It simply spreads the solute out over a larger volume, reducing its concentration. This is why the process is called 'dilution'.