Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What does the term "dilution" mean in a laboratory context?

1. Concentration of a solution

2. Mixing a substance with a solvent to lower concentration

3. Changing the state of a solution

4. Evaporating a solution

The correct answer is: Mixing a substance with a solvent to lower concentration

In a laboratory context, the term "dilution" specifically refers to mixing a substance with a solvent in order to lower the concentration of that substance within the solution. This process involves adding a certain volume of solvent, which increases the total volume of the solution while reducing the amount of solute per unit volume. Dilution is commonly used in various laboratory procedures when a more precise, lower concentration is needed for experiments, assays, or testing. The notion of changing the state of a solution or evaporating a solution are separate processes related to physical transformations rather than the act of dilution itself. Concentration refers to the amount of solute in a solution, which is the opposite of dilution. Therefore, the concept of dilution is distinct and specifically addresses the intent of reducing concentration by incorporating a solvent.