Which one of the following statements regarding acids is not correct?
Oxalic acid is found in tamarind paste.
Analyzing Statements About Acids and Their Sources
The question asks to identify the statement that is NOT correct regarding acids. Let's examine each statement:
Statement 1: Hydrochloric acid is present in the gastric juice secreted by the stomach.
This statement is correct. The stomach produces gastric juice which contains hydrochloric acid (HCl). This acid helps in the digestion of food and kills harmful bacteria that may be present in the food.
Statement 2: Acetic acid is the main constituent of vinegar.
This statement is also correct. Vinegar is typically an aqueous solution containing 5-20% acetic acid. Acetic acid (CH\(_3\)COOH) gives vinegar its characteristic sour taste and pungent smell.
Statement 3: Oxalic acid is found in tamarind paste.
This statement is NOT correct. Tamarind paste is well-known for its sourness, which is primarily due to the presence of tartaric acid (C\(_4\)H\(_6\)O\(_6\)). While some other acids might be present in smaller quantities, oxalic acid (C\(_2\)H\(_2\)O\(_4\)) is not the main acid in tamarind and is found abundantly in other plants like spinach, rhubarb, and sorrel.
Statement 4: Lemon and orange juices contain citric acid and ascorbic acid respectively.
This statement is largely correct in the context of common knowledge about these fruits. Lemon juice is rich in citric acid (C\(_6\)H\(_8\)O\(_7\)), which is the main acid giving it its sour taste. Orange juice is also a good source of citric acid, but it is particularly notable for its high content of ascorbic acid (C\(_6\)H\(_8\)O\(_6\)), commonly known as Vitamin C. While both fruits contain both acids to some extent, citric acid is dominant in lemons for sourness, and oranges are a primary source of dietary ascorbic acid. Given that statement 3 is definitively incorrect, this statement is considered correct in comparison.
Identifying the Incorrect Statement
Based on the analysis, Statement 3 is the one that is incorrect. Tamarind paste contains tartaric acid as its primary acid, not oxalic acid.
Conclusion: The Incorrect Statement
The statement that is not correct regarding acids is that Oxalic acid is found in tamarind paste. Tamarind contains tartaric acid.
| Statement | Correctness | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrochloric acid in gastric juice | Correct | Stomach secretes gastric juice containing HCl for digestion. |
| Acetic acid in vinegar | Correct | Vinegar is an aqueous solution of acetic acid. |
| Oxalic acid in tamarind | Incorrect | Tamarind contains tartaric acid, not primarily oxalic acid. |
| Citric acid in lemon, Ascorbic acid in orange | Correct (in context) | Lemon is rich in citric acid; Orange is a source of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Both contain both. |
Revision Table: Common Acids and Their Sources
| Acid Name | Common Source(s) |
|---|---|
| Hydrochloric acid (HCl) | Gastric juice (stomach) |
| Acetic acid (CH\(_3\)COOH) | Vinegar |
| Citric acid (C\(_6\)H\(_8\)O\(_7\)) | Citrus fruits (lemon, orange, lime) |
| Ascorbic acid (C\(_6\)H\(_8\)O\(_6\)) | Citrus fruits, amla, tomatoes, green vegetables |
| Tartaric acid (C\(_4\)H\(_6\)O\(_6\)) | Tamarind, grapes, bananas, cream of tartar |
| Oxalic acid (C\(_2\)H\(_2\)O\(_4\)) | Spinach, rhubarb, sorrel, broccoli, kale |
| Lactic acid (C\(_3\)H\(_6\)O\(_3\)) | Yogurt, sour milk, muscle activity |
Additional Information on Acids
Acids are substances that produce hydrogen ions (H\(_+\)) when dissolved in water. They typically have a sour taste and can change the color of indicators (e.g., turn blue litmus paper red). Acids found in nature, like those in fruits and vegetables, are often referred to as organic acids. Strong acids, like hydrochloric acid, are highly corrosive, while weak acids, like acetic acid or citric acid, are less so and are found in many foods.
Understanding the common sources of different acids is important in chemistry and biology. For example, the acid in the stomach is crucial for protein digestion, while acids in fruits contribute to their flavour and nutritional value (like Vitamin C).
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