Which equation can be used to calculate the dilution of a solution?

• A. M_1 V_1 = M_2 V_2
• B. C_1 + C_2 = C_3
• C. m_1 v_1 = m_2 v_2
• D. PV = nRT

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that dilution involves decreasing the concentration of a solution by adding more solvent, without changing the amount of solute.
2. Identify the variables: \(M_1\) and \(V_1\) represent the molarity and volume of the initial concentrated solution, while \(M_2\) and \(V_2\) represent the molarity and volume after dilution.
3. Recall that the amount of solute before dilution equals the amount of solute after dilution, which can be expressed as: \(M_1 \times V_1 = M_2 \times V_2\).
4. Recognize that this equation assumes the number of moles of solute remains constant, so the product of molarity and volume before and after dilution is the same.
5. Note that other equations listed do not represent dilution: \(C_1 + C_2 = C_3\) is not a standard dilution formula, \(m_1 v_1 = m_2 v_2\) is not related to molarity and volume, and \(PV = nRT\) is the ideal gas law.