In an exothermic reaction, what happens to the energy released during the reaction?

• A. It remains stored in the products.
• B. It is transferred to the surroundings as heat.
• C. It is converted entirely into chemical potential energy.
• D. It is absorbed by the reactants.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that an exothermic reaction is one in which energy is released to the surroundings, usually in the form of heat.
2. Recall the principle of energy conservation: the total energy change in a reaction must be accounted for either by energy stored in products or energy transferred to surroundings.
3. Recognize that in an exothermic reaction, the products have lower chemical potential energy than the reactants, so the excess energy is not stored in the products.
4. Identify that the released energy is transferred to the surroundings, often increasing the temperature of the surroundings, which is why exothermic reactions feel hot.
5. Conclude that the correct description is that the energy released during an exothermic reaction is transferred to the surroundings as heat.