In an exothermic reaction, what happens to energy?

• A. Energy is released to the surroundings.
• B. Energy is absorbed from the surroundings.
• C. Energy is converted entirely into mass.
• D. No energy change occurs.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that an exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy, usually in the form of heat, to its surroundings.
2. Recall the principle of energy conservation, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed.
3. In an exothermic reaction, the total energy of the products is lower than that of the reactants, meaning the excess energy is released.
4. This released energy increases the energy of the surroundings, often causing a temperature rise.
5. Therefore, the correct interpretation is that energy is released to the surroundings during an exothermic reaction.