Which term describes a reaction that absorbs heat from the surroundings?

Which term describes a reaction that absorbs heat from the surroundings?

• A. Endothermic
• B. Exothermic
• C. Catalyst
• D. Equilibrium

Answer: (A)

Endothermic describes a reaction that absorbs heat from the surroundings. In these processes, heat flows into the reacting system, increasing its energy and often making the surroundings feel cooler. A classic example is photosynthesis, where energy (including heat) is taken in to convert reactants into glucose. Exothermic reactions do the opposite, releasing heat to the surroundings. A catalyst affects the rate but not whether heat is absorbed or released, and equilibrium is about the balance of forward and reverse reactions, not heat flow. So the term that describes a reaction absorbing heat from the surroundings is endothermic.

Endothermic describes a reaction that absorbs heat from the surroundings. In these processes, heat flows into the reacting system, increasing its energy and often making the surroundings feel cooler. A classic example is photosynthesis, where energy (including heat) is taken in to convert reactants into glucose. Exothermic reactions do the opposite, releasing heat to the surroundings. A catalyst affects the rate but not whether heat is absorbed or released, and equilibrium is about the balance of forward and reverse reactions, not heat flow. So the term that describes a reaction absorbing heat from the surroundings is endothermic.