What happens in an endothermic reaction?

In an endothermic reaction, energy is absorbed from the surroundings, typically in the form of heat. This results in a decrease in the temperature of the surrounding environment as the reaction proceeds. The absorbed energy is necessary for the reactants to undergo transformation into products. Examples of endothermic reactions include photosynthesis, where plants absorb sunlight (energy) to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Unlike in exothermic reactions, where energy is released and the temperature of the surroundings increases, endothermic reactions require a continuous supply of energy to facilitate the chemical change. This characteristic is essential in understanding the energy profiles of reactions and how they influence the overall thermal dynamics of a system.

While temperature changes can occur in other contexts, in this specific type of reaction, the absorption of energy is the key defining feature that distinguishes it as endothermic.