No, citric acid is not alkaline.
Citric Acid: An Acid, Not an Alkaline Substance
Based on the provided information, substances like citric acid are characterized by their acidic nature. For example, the high amount of citric acid in lemons is responsible for their acidic nature. This directly indicates that citric acid is acidic, not alkaline.
The pH Scale: Understanding Acidity and Alkalinity
Acidity and alkalinity are measured using the pH scale. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral (like pure water). Substances with a pH below 7 are acidic, while substances with a pH above 7 are considered alkaline or basic.
As the reference states, "Anything above 7 on the pH scale is considered alkaline or basic." Since citric acid is described as acidic (like lemons and vinegar, which are known to have low pH values below 7), it falls into the acidic category of the pH scale, not the alkaline category.
Key Points from the Reference
- Citric acid is present in lemons and makes them acidic.
- Vinegar has a similar acidity level to lemons.
- Apples are slightly less acidic than lemons/vinegar.
- Alkaline or basic substances have a pH above 7.
Therefore, citric acid, being acidic, has a pH below 7 and is the opposite of alkaline.
