Which type of reaction typically occurs in a disposable hand warmer?

• A. Endothermic reaction
• B. Exothermic reaction
• C. Neutralization reaction
• D. Photochemical reaction

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of a disposable hand warmer: it is designed to release heat to keep hands warm over time.
2. Recall the definitions of reaction types: an endothermic reaction absorbs heat, while an exothermic reaction releases heat.
3. Since the hand warmer produces heat, the reaction inside must be releasing energy, which corresponds to an exothermic reaction.
4. Neutralization reactions involve acid-base reactions and may or may not release heat, but they are not specifically characteristic of hand warmers.
5. Photochemical reactions require light to proceed, which is not the case for disposable hand warmers that work through chemical oxidation or crystallization processes.