What characterizes deionized (DI) water?

• A. It contains all natural minerals
• B. It has had all minerals removed
• C. It is tap water treated only once
• D. It has a high mineral content

Answer: (B)

Deionized (DI) water is characterized by having all minerals, salts, and ions removed through a process called ion exchange. This process replaces cations and anions in the water with hydrogen and hydroxide ions, effectively purifying the water to a point where it has minimal conductivity due to the absence of dissolved ions. This quality makes DI water particularly useful in laboratory settings, medical applications, and for rinsing surgical instruments since it reduces the potential for contamination from minerals that could interfere with chemical processes or react with other materials. The purity of DI water is crucial when it is used in scenarios where high-quality water is required, such as in the preparation of medications or cleaning sensitive equipment.