Conversion Formula:
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The conversion between millimoles per liter (mmol/L) and milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) is essential in medical and chemical contexts, particularly for electrolyte measurements. This conversion accounts for the chemical activity of substances based on their valence.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: This conversion accounts for the electrochemical equivalence of substances, which is important for accurately comparing electrolyte concentrations.
Details: Accurate conversion between mmol/L and mEq/L is crucial in medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical dosing, and laboratory measurements where electrolyte balance affects physiological functions.
Tips: Enter the concentration in mmol/L and the valence of the substance. Both values must be positive numbers. Common valences: Sodium (Na+) = 1, Calcium (Ca2+) = 2, Phosphate (PO43-) = 1.8 (average).
Q1: Why is valence important in this conversion?
A: Valence represents the ion's charge and determines its chemical activity. Different ions with the same mmol/L concentration can have different physiological effects based on their valence.
Q2: What's the difference between mmol/L and mEq/L?
A: mmol/L measures molar concentration, while mEq/L measures electrochemical activity. mEq/L takes into account the ion's charge and reactivity.
Q3: When is this conversion most commonly used?
A: This conversion is essential in medical laboratories for electrolyte panels, in pharmacology for medication dosing, and in nutritional science for mineral balance assessments.
Q4: Are there limitations to this conversion?
A: The conversion assumes complete dissociation of ions and may not account for complex chemical interactions or bound forms of substances in biological systems.
Q5: How do I find the valence for a specific ion?
A: Valence is typically determined by the ion's charge. For example, Na+ has valence 1, Ca2+ has valence 2, and Al3+ has valence 3. For complex ions, consult chemical references.