Solvation phenomena refer to the process in which solvent molecules surround and interact with solute particles, leading to the dissolution of the solute. This interaction can involve various forces, such as hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and van der Waals forces. The nature of the solvent and solute significantly influences the solvation process, determining how well a substance dissolves. In aqueous solutions, for example, water molecules play a crucial role in solvation due to their polar nature. When a salt like sodium chloride is added to water, the positive and negative ions are separated and surrounded by water molecules, facilitating the dissolution process. This phenomenon is essential in many chemical reactions and biological processes.