Which of the following best describes the energy change that occurs during an endothermic reaction?

• A. Energy is absorbed from the surroundings.
• B. Energy is converted into mass.
• C. Energy is released to the surroundings.
• D. No energy change occurs.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of an endothermic reaction: it is a chemical reaction that absorbs energy from its surroundings, usually in the form of heat.
2. Recall that in an endothermic process, the system gains energy, which means the surroundings lose energy.
3. Recognize that energy is not converted into mass in typical chemical reactions, so that option can be ruled out.
4. Note that energy being released to the surroundings describes an exothermic reaction, which is the opposite of endothermic.
5. Conclude that the best description of the energy change in an endothermic reaction is that energy is absorbed from the surroundings.