Which one represents the correct increasing order of acidic character of the samples?
(a) Water < Fruit juice < Sodium bicarbonate
(b) Water < Sodium bicarbonate < Fruit juice
(c) Fruit juice < Water < Sodium bicarbonate
(d) Sodium bicarbonate < Water < Fruit juice

Options

A. Water `lt` Fruit juice `lt` Sodium bicarbonate
B. Water `lt` Sodium bicarbonate `lt` Fruit juice
C. Fruit juice `lt` Water `lt` Sodium bicarbonate
D. Sodium bicarbonate `lt` Water `lt` Fruit juice

Answer

To determine the correct increasing order of acidic character among water, fruit juice, and sodium bicarbonate, we need to analyze the pH levels of each substance:

1. **Understanding pH**:
- The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14.
- Acids have a pH less than 7.
- Neutral solutions (like pure water) have a pH of exactly 7.
- Bases have a pH greater than 7.

2. **Identifying pH of Each Sample**:
- **Water**: It is neutral with a pH of 7.
- **Fruit Juice**: It is acidic with a pH typically ranging from 2.0 to 4.5.
- **Sodium Bicarbonate**: It is basic with a pH around 8.4.

3. **Ranking the Samples by Acidity**:
- Since fruit juice has the lowest pH (most acidic), it is the strongest acid among the three.
- Water, being neutral, has a pH of 7, making it less acidic than fruit juice.
- Sodium bicarbonate, being basic, has the highest pH (least acidic).

4. **Conclusion**:
- The increasing order of acidic character is: Sodium Bicarbonate < Water < Fruit Juice.

5. **Final Answer**:
- Therefore, the correct option is (d) Sodium bicarbonate < Water < Fruit juice.