🔍 Key Concepts

• pH scale and what values are considered acidic, neutral, and alkaline (basic) • How acidity or alkalinity affects metal corrosion in boilers and piping • Typical boiler water treatment goals in marine engineering

💭 Think About

• Think about whether metal (like steel) tends to corrode faster in acidic, neutral, or alkaline environments. • Consider what engineers try to do with boiler water chemistry to protect both the boiler metal and reduce scale formation. • If water were left truly neutral, what would happen as it absorbs dissolved gases like CO₂ and O₂ over time?

✅ Before You Answer

• Know that low pH (strongly acidic) conditions are generally very aggressive to metals. • Recall that boiler water treatment usually aims for a controlled pH range, not exactly neutral. • Verify which option describes the condition that would inhibit corrosion rather than promote it.