Which type of chemical reaction occurs when energy is absorbed from the surroundings during the process?

• A. Exothermic reaction
• B. Precipitation reaction
• C. Redox reaction
• D. Endothermic reaction

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key concept of energy flow in chemical reactions: energy can either be released to or absorbed from the surroundings during a reaction.
2. Recall that an exothermic reaction releases energy, usually in the form of heat, causing the surroundings to warm up.
3. Recognize that an endothermic reaction absorbs energy from the surroundings, which means the system takes in heat, causing the surroundings to cool down.
4. Identify that precipitation reactions involve the formation of a solid from two aqueous solutions and do not necessarily involve energy absorption or release as a defining feature.
5. Note that redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons between species and can be either exothermic or endothermic, so the defining characteristic is electron transfer, not energy absorption.