How do endothermic reactions differ from exothermic reactions?

Endothermic reactions are characterized by the absorption of heat energy from their surroundings, leading to a decrease in temperature in the immediate environment during the reaction process. This heat is necessary to drive the reaction forward, as it typically involves breaking existing bonds and forming new ones in a way that requires energy input.

On the other hand, exothermic reactions release excess energy in the form of heat into the surroundings. This release often makes the surrounding environment warmer and signifies that the reaction is moving towards a more stable state as chemical bonds are formed and energy is emitted.

The distinction between endothermic and exothermic reactions is crucial in understanding energy changes in chemical processes, as well as their applications in various fields such as thermodynamics, material science, and biochemical reactions. The other provided options address aspects that do not accurately represent the fundamental differences in energy exchange of these reaction types.