Which of the following acids is responsible for the sharp flavour in soft drinks?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Phosphoric Acid.
- Phosphoric Acid is responsible for the sharp flavour in soft drinks.
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Phosphoric acid, also known as orthophosphoric acid, is a weak inorganic acid with the chemical formula H₃PO₄. It usually appears as a colorless, odorless syrupy liquid when dissolved in water at around 85% concentration, which is its most common laboratory form.
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This acid is widely used in the food and beverage industry, especially in soft drinks, where it adds a sharp, tangy taste. It also acts as a preservative, preventing the growth of bacteria and molds in sugary liquids.
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While it is a solid at room temperature in pure form, phosphoric acid is more commonly encountered as a liquid solution in industrial and laboratory settings due to its hygroscopic nature.