Dilutions:
When a solution is diluted, the total number of moles of solute (n), does not change. Only the totel solution volume changes. As n=cV (molarity formula, where n = moles, c = concentration, V = volume), then the value of cV is a constant when diluting solutions. This can be expressed by the ratio:
c₁V₁ = c₂V₂, where subscripts 1 and 2 represent the concentrated and dilute solutions.
To prepare an 2.00 L aqueous solution of HCl (hydrochloric acid) of concentration 6.00 M from 12.1 M, we can use the dilution ratio:
C₁V₁ = C₂V₂.
Hence: 12.1×V₁ = 6.00×2.00
V₁ = 0.9917 L
therefore, the initial volume, the volume of HCl we start with, is 0.9917 L, or 991.7 mL