An endothermic reaction causes the surroundings to:

• A. increase in temperature
• B. remain at the same temperature
• C. decrease in temperature
• D. release heat to the system

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of an endothermic reaction: it is a process that absorbs heat from the surroundings into the system.
2. Recall that when heat is absorbed by the system, the surroundings lose heat energy.
3. Since the surroundings lose heat, their temperature will decrease as a result of the energy transfer.
4. Therefore, the surroundings do not increase or remain the same in temperature; instead, they experience a decrease in temperature.
5. Conclude that an endothermic reaction causes the surroundings to decrease in temperature because heat is absorbed by the system from the surroundings.