Which of the following is typical of an endothermic reaction?

• A. The enthalpy change (ΔH) is negative.
• B. The reaction absorbs heat from its surroundings.
• C. Energy is released in the form of heat.
• D. The temperature of the surroundings increases.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of an endothermic reaction: it is a chemical reaction that absorbs heat from its surroundings during the process.
2. Recall that enthalpy change (\$\Delta H\$) represents the heat absorbed or released at constant pressure. For endothermic reactions, \$\Delta H\$ is positive because the system gains heat.
3. Recognize that if a reaction absorbs heat, the surroundings lose heat, which typically causes the temperature of the surroundings to decrease, not increase.
4. Contrast this with exothermic reactions, where \$\Delta H\$ is negative, heat is released, and the temperature of the surroundings increases.
5. Therefore, the typical characteristic of an endothermic reaction is that it absorbs heat from its surroundings, corresponding to a positive enthalpy change.