In an endothermic reaction, what happens to heat?

In an endothermic reaction, heat is absorbed by the system, which means that the reaction requires energy input from its surroundings to proceed. This absorption of heat typically results in a decrease in the temperature of the surroundings, as energy is drawn into the reaction to break bonds or to facilitate the reaction process itself.

The nature of endothermic reactions can be observed in various chemical phenomena, such as the dissolution of certain salts in water or photosynthesis in plants, where energy is absorbed from sunlight. In contrast, exothermic reactions release heat, which differentiates them significantly from endothermic processes. Therefore, being aware that heat is absorbed is crucial for understanding the thermodynamic principles and energy dynamics that govern chemical reactions.