Which process absorbs energy from the surroundings?

The endothermic process is characterized by its ability to absorb energy from the surroundings. This absorption of energy typically occurs in the form of heat, leading to a decrease in the temperature of the surrounding environment. In an endothermic reaction, the reactants require energy to overcome activation barriers, and this energy is pulled from the surroundings, resulting in the formation of products that have a higher energy level than the reactants. Common examples of endothermic processes include the melting of ice and the dissolution of certain salts in water.

In contrast, exothermic processes release energy, often in the form of heat or light, which increases the temperature of the surroundings. Combustion processes are typically exothermic, where chemical bonds are broken and formed, releasing energy. Photosynthesis can be seen as both an endothermic process in that it requires energy input from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, but it's often grouped with other energy utilization processes rather than being solely defined by its endothermic nature. Therefore, the definition of an endothermic process aligns best with the absorption of energy from the surroundings.