When heat is removed from a substance, which of the following is most likely to occur?

• A. The substance undergoes an exothermic reaction.
• B. The temperature of the substance increases.
• C. The substance absorbs more heat from the surroundings.
• D. The temperature of the substance decreases.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the relationship between heat transfer and temperature change: When heat is removed from a substance, energy is taken away from its particles, which affects their motion.
2. Recall that temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance. Removing heat reduces this kinetic energy, causing the temperature to decrease.
3. Recognize that an exothermic reaction releases heat to the surroundings, so removing heat does not cause an exothermic reaction to occur; rather, it is the opposite process.
4. Note that if heat is removed, the substance cannot absorb more heat from the surroundings at that moment; instead, it is losing heat.
5. Conclude that the most likely outcome when heat is removed is a decrease in the temperature of the substance, as the particles slow down due to loss of thermal energy.