Soda pop is classified as an acidic beverage. The acidity in soda pop comes from the carbonation process, where carbon dioxide (CO2) is dissolved in water under pressure, forming carbonic acid (H2CO3). This carbonic acid gives soda its characteristic tangy taste.
Additionally, many sodas contain other acidic ingredients like phosphoric acid, citric acid, or malic acid, which further lower the pH level. The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a substance is, with values below 7 being acidic, 7 being neutral, and above 7 being basic. Most sodas have a pH between 2.5 and 4, making them quite acidic.
In summary, soda pop is an acidic beverage due to the presence of carbonic acid and other acidic additives, which give it a low pH level.