現像液 (げんぞうえき) is a chemical solution used in the photographic development process. It plays a crucial role in converting exposed photographic film or paper into a visible image. The solution works by reacting with the light-sensitive compounds in the film, allowing the latent image to emerge. Typically, 現像液 contains various chemicals, including developers, stop baths, and fixers. Each component serves a specific purpose, such as developing the image, halting the development process, and making the image permanent. Proper use of 現像液 is essential for achieving high-quality photographs.