Ionization (denri)

Term: Ionization (電離, denri) Description: Ionization (denri) refers to the phenomenon in which a substance dissolves in a solvent such as water and part or all of it separates into ions. For example, when table salt (sodium chloride) is dissolved in water, it ionizes into sodium ions (Na⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻). This occurs because water is polar, which makes it easy for water to pull ions apart. Ionization is also an important process for understanding the properties of acids and bases, and in sake brewing, the ionization of trace components affects flavor and aroma.