Which term best describes a chemical reaction in which energy is absorbed from the surroundings?

• A. Redox reaction
• B. Endothermic reaction
• C. Spontaneous reaction
• D. Exothermic reaction

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the meaning of energy flow in chemical reactions: when a reaction absorbs energy from the surroundings, it means energy is taken in rather than released.
2. Recall the definitions of key terms: an exothermic reaction releases energy, while an endothermic reaction absorbs energy.
3. Recognize that a redox reaction involves electron transfer but does not specifically describe energy absorption or release.
4. Note that a spontaneous reaction refers to whether a reaction occurs naturally without external input, not directly to energy absorption or release.
5. Conclude that the term describing a reaction absorbing energy from the surroundings is an \textbf{endothermic reaction}.