Which curve indicates whether water is corrosive, scaling or neutral?

• A. pH Curve
• B. Baylis Curve
• C. Turbidity Curve
• D. Conductivity Curve

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how carbonate chemistry determines whether water will dissolve or form scale. The Baylis curve maps the boundary of calcium carbonate solubility as pH and alkalinity (and related factors) change, so it shows whether water will dissolve calcite (corrosive), stay in a neutral balance, or promote calcite precipitation (scaling). In other words, where the water sample sits relative to this curve tells you if it’s likely to be corrosive, neutral, or scale-forming, which is precisely what you’re trying to assess.

Other curves don’t directly indicate this balance. A pH curve only shows acidity/alkalinity, not how that interacts with calcium carbonate to cause corrosion or scaling. Turbidity relates to suspended particles, not corrosivity or scaling tendency. Conductivity reflects dissolved solids but not the specific carbonate equilibrium that determines scaling vs corrosion.