Which statement best describes what is similar about the energy changes in the two reactions?

• A. Both reactions involve no change in energy.
• B. Both reactions release energy to their surroundings.
• C. Both reactions result in a decrease in the temperature of the surroundings.
• D. Both reactions absorb energy from their surroundings.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of energy change involved in each reaction by determining whether the reactions are endothermic or exothermic. Endothermic reactions absorb energy, while exothermic reactions release energy.
2. Recall that if a reaction absorbs energy from its surroundings, it is endothermic, which typically causes the temperature of the surroundings to decrease.
3. Analyze the given statements and relate them to the energy flow: 'no change in energy' means neither absorption nor release; 'release energy' means exothermic; 'decrease in temperature of surroundings' usually indicates energy absorption; 'absorb energy from surroundings' means the reaction is endothermic.
4. Compare the descriptions to the concept that both reactions absorb energy, which implies both are endothermic and take in heat from their surroundings, causing the surroundings to cool down.
5. Conclude that the similarity in energy changes is that both reactions absorb energy from their surroundings, which aligns with the statement 'Both reactions absorb energy from their surroundings.'