Which is the first step in the dissolving process? the solute becomes like the solvent. the solute molecules are carried into the solution. the solvent molecules surround the solute particles. the solvent molecules are attracted to particles at the surface of the solute.

The answer is the solvent molecules are attracted to particles at the surface of the solute. This overcomes the lattice forces of the solute that keeps the particles together. When the solute particles begin to break apart (from the surface towards the core), the forces of attraction between the solvent molecules and the solute particles causes the solute particles to be held in the intermolecular spaces of the solvent.