NIC Nail Technician Written ExamScientific ConceptsMedium

A technician is preparing a 0.25% solution of a disinfectant. If the disinfectant concentrate is 25% active ingredient, and the technician needs to prepare 1 gallon (128 fl oz) of the solution, how much of the concentrate is needed?

  1. A0.512 fl oz
  2. B5.12 fl oz
  3. C0.128 fl oz
  4. D1.28 fl oz
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. 1.28 fl oz

To calculate the amount of concentrate needed, use the formula: (Desired Concentration / Concentrate's Active Ingredient Percentage) * Total Volume. So, (0.25% / 25%) * 128 fl oz = (0.0025 / 0.25) * 128 fl oz = 0.01 * 128 fl oz = 1.28 fl oz.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Incorrect calculation; this might result from an error in percentage conversion or division.
  • B. Incorrect calculation; this would be if the desired concentration was 2.5% or a similar error.
  • C. Incorrect calculation; this would be 0.1% of the total volume, not accounting for concentrate strength.

Disinfectant Dilution Calculation (Concentrate)

Calculating the amount of concentrated disinfectant needed to achieve a specific final solution percentage, considering the active ingredient percentage of the concentrate.

  • Formula: (Desired Solution % / Concentrate Active Ingredient %) * Total Volume.
  • Ensure all percentages are converted to decimals for calculation.
  • Accuracy is crucial for effective disinfection and safety.

Memory trick: Divide the desired by the concentrate, then multiply by the total volume.

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