In an endothermic reaction, which of the following statements is correct?

• A. The system absorbs heat from the surroundings.
• B. The enthalpy change (ΔH) is negative.
• C. The temperature of the surroundings increases.
• D. The system releases heat to the surroundings.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of an endothermic reaction: it is a process in which the system absorbs heat from the surroundings.
2. Recall that enthalpy change (\( \Delta H \)) represents the heat absorbed or released at constant pressure. For an endothermic reaction, \( \Delta H \) is positive because heat is absorbed.
3. Analyze the effect on the surroundings: since the system absorbs heat, the surroundings lose heat, which typically causes the temperature of the surroundings to decrease, not increase.
4. Evaluate each statement: the system absorbing heat from the surroundings is correct; \( \Delta H \) being negative is incorrect for endothermic reactions; the temperature of the surroundings increasing is incorrect; the system releasing heat is incorrect.
5. Conclude that the correct statement is: 'The system absorbs heat from the surroundings.'