Problem 3.4: Why does conductivity provide a useful

From Chapter 3 Problem Set. Level 1: Conceptual Mastery.

Question

Why does conductivity provide a useful estimate of TDS, and what is its most important limitation?

Answer

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Dissolved ions are charge carriers. More ions means more current and higher conductivity, making it a fast, continuous proxy for TDS. Its limitation: conductivity measures total ionic load but not which ions are present. Two waters at the same conductivity can behave very differently - one may scale, the other may corrode.