Lesson overview
Dilution
Learn what happens when the same amount of medicine is spread through more liquid, then use C1V1 = C2V2 to find a missing concentration or volume.
About 24 minutesMedication PreparationNo account required
Learning outcomes
What you will learn
- explain dilution in plain English
- tell medication amount, liquid volume and concentration apart
- distinguish ‘dilute to’ / ‘final volume’ wording from ‘dilute with’ / ‘add’, while recognising ‘make up to’ wording
- explain what C1, V1, C2 and V2 mean
- calculate any one missing C1V1 = C2V2 value when the other three are known
- recognise that C1 and C2 must use a compatible concentration basis rather than assuming every percent strength is interchangeable
- use a new concentration for a later mg → mL calculation
- recognise when a result does not make sense for an ordinary dilution
Clinical connection
Why this matters
A dilution error can start with something as simple as confusing the starting volume with the final total volume, or reading ‘make up to’ as ‘add’. Giving every number one clear job makes the equation much easier to use correctly.
Lesson plan
How the lesson works
- 1
Learn
Short teaching slides explain one idea at a time with plain-language examples.
- 2
Practise
Answer calculation or scenario questions and receive immediate feedback.
- 3
Finish
Complete the lesson mastery check and save your progress on this browser.