When two chemicals react in an endothermic reaction, which statement is correct about the energy changes involved?

• A. The reaction releases heat to the surroundings.
• B. The reaction absorbs heat from the surroundings.
• C. The products have less energy than the reactants.
• D. The temperature of the surroundings increases.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of an endothermic reaction: it is a chemical reaction that absorbs heat energy from its surroundings during the process.
2. Recall that in an endothermic reaction, energy is taken in, so the system (reactants and products) gains energy, meaning the products have more energy than the reactants.
3. Recognize that because the system absorbs heat, the surroundings lose heat, which typically causes the temperature of the surroundings to decrease, not increase.
4. Analyze the given statements: the reaction does not release heat to the surroundings, so that statement is incorrect; the reaction absorbs heat from the surroundings, which aligns with the definition of endothermic reactions.
5. Conclude that the correct statement is that the reaction absorbs heat from the surroundings, and the products have more energy than the reactants.