The process whereby water molecules surround ions during the dissolving of a substance is called hydration.

Here's why:

* Water is a polar molecule: The oxygen end of a water molecule has a partial negative charge, while the hydrogen ends have partial positive charges.

* Ions are charged particles: When ionic compounds dissolve, their ions separate.

* Attraction: The opposite charges attract. The partially negative oxygen ends of water molecules are attracted to the positive ions, while the partially positive hydrogen ends are attracted to the negative ions.

* Surrounding: This attraction causes water molecules to cluster around the ions, effectively surrounding them and isolating them from each other.

This process is crucial for dissolving ionic compounds in water.