The solution forming process occurs when the solvent is attracted to the solute enough to bring it into solution. The animation below shows how this happens visually with sodium chloride dissolving in water.
Explore
ACS Visualizations www.inquiryinaction.org/chemistryreview/dissolving/
PhET Solutions phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/sugar-and-salt-solutions
PhET Solutions phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/sugar-and-salt-solutions