What is the purpose of citric acid in soft drinks?

As far as I know, it's used to create the acidity and sourness, in addition to flavoring...it's a question on a lab report I'm doing, and I just want to check and see if it serves any other purpose other than what I've got.

Answer:
Yes its also a preservative. It helps food and drinks to have a longer self life.
"Citric acid is a weak organic acid found in citrus fruits. It is a natural preservative and is also used to add an acidic (sour) taste to foods and soft drinks. In biochemistry, it is important as an intermediate in the citric acid cycle and therefore occurs in the metabolism of almost all living things. It also serves as an environmentally benign cleaning agent and acts as an antioxidant."

Basically you are missing preservative, and cleanser.
citric acid is for the flavor. its also the acid, witch are known for the sour to sweet taste. it also serves a chemical bonding with the other chemicals added into the soda. (unsure of the exact compound)
Citric acid is a antioxidant.
I used to work for Molson Breweries and we use to add citric acid to the beer.
Citric Acid is Vitimin C
Its considerd a natural (legally organic) way of eliminating staleness. It increases shelf life by eliminating the staleness the air (oxygen) in a bottle that causes "old beer taste"...whod a thunk......OLD BEER
It does the same for pop
There is also Phosphoric acid in your pop, wont hurt you..great for cleanin stainless steel
And for you diet drinkers
Aspatrame will not hurt you
Sugar LOBBY wants you to drink SUGAR
There is NO evidence that aspartame will hurt you
NOW YOU KNOW

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