Question

Give one example of an edible acid and discuss its uses.

Answer 1

Acids are those substances whose pH value is less than 7 and turn the litmus paper from blue to red.

An example of an edible acid that we use in our day to day life is Citric acid(${\mathrm{C}}_6{\mathrm{H}}_8{\mathrm{O}}_7$) which is commonly found in Oranges and Lemons.

Uses of citric acid:

• Citric acid because of its acidic, sour-tasting nature it is predominately used as a flavoring agent and preserving agent (used to keep the food fresh for longer periods) especially in soft drinks and candies.
• It is also used to stabilize or preserve medicines and as a disinfectant which can destroy bacteria.
• It helps to remove tough stains on clothes.

Therefore, Citric acid(${\mathrm{C}}_6{\mathrm{H}}_8{\mathrm{O}}_7$) is an example of an edible acid.