Which of the following happens during an exothermic chemical change?

• A. Heat is released to the surroundings.
• B. The products have higher enthalpy than the reactants.
• C. The temperature of the surroundings decreases.
• D. Energy is absorbed from the surroundings.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of an exothermic chemical change: it is a reaction that releases heat to the surroundings.
2. Recall that enthalpy (H) is a measure of the total heat content of a system. In an exothermic reaction, the enthalpy of the products is lower than that of the reactants because energy is released.
3. Recognize that when heat is released to the surroundings, the temperature of the surroundings typically increases, not decreases.
4. Note that energy absorption from the surroundings is characteristic of endothermic reactions, not exothermic ones.
5. Summarize that during an exothermic chemical change, heat is released to the surroundings, the products have lower enthalpy than the reactants, and the temperature of the surroundings increases.