Which of the following best explains why a chemical incident can result in thermal harm?

• A. Exothermic reactions release heat energy, which can increase the temperature of the surroundings.
• B. Chemical incidents always involve radioactive materials that emit heat.
• C. Endothermic reactions absorb heat, causing burns from cold exposure.
• D. Thermal harm only occurs if chemicals are mixed with water.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between exothermic and endothermic reactions: Exothermic reactions release heat to the surroundings, while endothermic reactions absorb heat from the surroundings.
2. Recognize that thermal harm refers to injury caused by temperature changes, typically from heat exposure.
3. Analyze why exothermic reactions can cause thermal harm: since they release heat energy, the temperature of the surroundings can increase, potentially causing burns or heat damage.
4. Evaluate the incorrect options: radioactive materials are not always involved in chemical incidents, endothermic reactions absorb heat and typically cause cooling rather than burns, and thermal harm is not limited to reactions involving water.
5. Conclude that the best explanation is that exothermic reactions release heat energy, which can increase the temperature of the surroundings and cause thermal harm.