Which term describes a reaction that releases energy in the form of heat?

Which term describes a reaction that releases energy in the form of heat?

• A. Endothermic reaction
• B. Chemical equation
• C. Exothermic reaction
• D. Neutralization

Answer: (C)

When a reaction releases energy as heat, it is called an exothermic reaction. In these reactions, the energy of the reactants is higher than the energy of the products, and the excess energy is given off to the surroundings as heat (sometimes light as well). That transfer is why you often feel warmth when certain reactions occur, like burning fuel or a chemical hand warmer. Endothermic reactions do the opposite: they absorb heat from the surroundings, making the surroundings feel cooler. A chemical equation is simply a way to show which substances react and what they produce; it doesn’t by itself indicate heat flow. Neutralization is a specific type of reaction (acid reacting with a base) and can be exothermic, but the general term for heat-releasing reactions is exothermic.

When a reaction releases energy as heat, it is called an exothermic reaction. In these reactions, the energy of the reactants is higher than the energy of the products, and the excess energy is given off to the surroundings as heat (sometimes light as well). That transfer is why you often feel warmth when certain reactions occur, like burning fuel or a chemical hand warmer. Endothermic reactions do the opposite: they absorb heat from the surroundings, making the surroundings feel cooler. A chemical equation is simply a way to show which substances react and what they produce; it doesn’t by itself indicate heat flow. Neutralization is a specific type of reaction (acid reacting with a base) and can be exothermic, but the general term for heat-releasing reactions is exothermic.