Which of the following correctly describes how to calculate the dilution factor of the final step compared to the original sample?

• A. Subtract the volume of the original sample from the final total volume.
• B. Multiply the dilution factors of each individual step together.
• C. Divide the volume of the original sample by the final total volume.
• D. Add the dilution factors of each individual step together.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the dilution factor represents how much the original sample has been diluted in the final solution.
2. Recognize that when multiple dilution steps are performed sequentially, the overall dilution factor is the product of the dilution factors from each individual step.
3. Recall that the dilution factor for a single step is calculated as the ratio of the final total volume to the volume of the original sample used in that step, expressed as \(\text{Dilution Factor} = \frac{V_{\text{final}}}{V_{\text{original}}}\).
4. To find the total dilution factor after multiple steps, multiply the individual dilution factors together: \(\text{Total Dilution Factor} = \prod \left( \frac{V_{\text{final, step}}}{V_{\text{original, step}}} \right)\).
5. Avoid adding dilution factors or subtracting volumes, as these operations do not correctly represent the cumulative effect of sequential dilutions.