Which of the following occurs during an exothermic reaction?

• A. The products have higher enthalpy than the reactants.
• B. Heat is released to the surroundings.
• C. Energy is absorbed from the surroundings.
• D. The temperature of the surroundings decreases.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of an exothermic reaction: it is a chemical reaction that releases heat to the surroundings.
2. Recall that enthalpy (H) is a measure of the total heat content of a system, and in exothermic reactions, the enthalpy of the products is lower than that of the reactants because energy is released.
3. Recognize that when heat is released, the surroundings gain energy, which often causes an increase in the temperature of the surroundings.
4. Analyze the given options: since heat is released, the correct statement is that heat is released to the surroundings.
5. Conclude that the products have lower enthalpy than the reactants, energy is not absorbed but released, and the temperature of the surroundings typically increases, not decreases.