diluution

Dilution refers to the process of reducing the concentration of a solute in a solution, usually by mixing it with a larger amount of solvent. This can be achieved by adding more solvent to an existing solution or by taking a portion of a concentrated solution and adding solvent to it. The resulting solution will have a lower concentration of the solute.

In chemistry, dilution is a common laboratory technique used to prepare solutions of specific concentrations from stock solutions. The formula commonly used to calculate dilutions is M1V1 = M2V2, where M1 is the initial concentration, V1 is the initial volume, M2 is the final concentration, and V2 is the final volume. This formula is based on the principle that the amount of solute remains constant during the dilution process.

Dilution is also a concept found in finance, particularly in the context of stock ownership. When a company issues new shares, the ownership percentage of existing shareholders is diluted, meaning their stake in the company becomes a smaller fraction of the total outstanding shares. This can affect the earnings per share and voting power of existing shareholders.

In everyday life, dilution is encountered when making beverages from concentrates, such as fruit juices or powdered drinks. Adding water or another liquid reduces the concentration of the flavorings and sweeteners, making the drink palatable. The principle of dilution is fundamental to many scientific and practical applications, ensuring that substances are at the desired strength or proportion.