Here's why:

* The pH scale: The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It ranges from 0 to 14.

* Acidic solutions: Solutions with a pH less than 7 are considered acidic.

* Neutral solutions: A pH of 7 is neutral (like pure water).

* Alkaline (basic) solutions: Solutions with a pH greater than 7 are alkaline (basic).

Since a pH of 3 is less than 7, it falls within the acidic range.