Which change occurs during an endothermic chemical process?

• A. The temperature of the surroundings increases.
• B. The system releases heat to the surroundings.
• C. The system absorbs heat from the surroundings.
• D. The enthalpy of the products is less than that of the reactants.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of an endothermic process: it is a chemical reaction or physical change that absorbs heat from its surroundings.
2. Recall that in an endothermic process, the system gains heat, so the heat flow is into the system, not out of it.
3. Recognize that because the system absorbs heat, the temperature of the surroundings typically decreases, not increases.
4. Know that the enthalpy change (ΔH) for an endothermic reaction is positive, meaning the enthalpy of the products is higher than that of the reactants.
5. Conclude that the correct description of an endothermic process is that the system absorbs heat from the surroundings.