Step 1: Understanding the Concept
The sol-gel process turns a molecular precursor (a metal alkoxide) into a gel network.
Step 2: Steps
Step 1 is hydrolysis, in which the precursor reacts with water to give hydroxyl groups.
Step 2 is polycondensation, in which these hydroxyl groups join to form a network.
Step 3: Compare the options
The order is hydrolysis then poly condensation, the second option.
Final Answer:
Hydrolysis is followed by poly condensation.
\[ \boxed{\text{(B) }\text{Hydrolysis and poly condensation}} \]