An endothermic reaction is characterized by what?

An endothermic reaction is characterized by the absorption of heat from the surroundings. During an endothermic process, the energy required to break bonds in the reactants is greater than the energy released when new bonds form in the products. As a result, the reaction draws in heat, which can cause a decrease in the temperature of the environment surrounding the reaction. This is often observed in chemical processes such as photosynthesis, where plants absorb energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

The nature of this heat absorption is critical in understanding reaction mechanisms and energy changes in chemistry, particularly when studying thermodynamics in relation to chemical reactions. Recognizing this concept is essential for understanding broader applications in chemistry, engineering, and environmental science.