What is the process called when solvent particles surround dissolved solute particles?

• A. Precipitation
• B. Solvation
• C. Oxidation
• D. Fermentation

Answer: (B)

Solvation is the process where solvent molecules surround dissolved solute particles, forming a stabilizing shell around them. This happens as the solvent’s partial charges orient around ions or polar molecules, using interactions like ion-dipole forces and hydrogen bonding (water-specific hydration is a common example). This surrounding helps keep the solute dispersed in the solvent and is a key part of why substances dissolve. The other terms describe different processes: precipitation is when dissolved material comes out of solution as a solid; oxidation involves electron transfer; fermentation is a metabolic process carried out by microorganisms.