Which statement best describes an endothermic reaction?

An endothermic reaction is characterized by the absorption of heat energy from the surroundings. This means that during the reaction, the system takes in thermal energy, resulting in a temperature decrease in the surrounding environment. This is commonly observed in reactions such as photosynthesis in plants and the dissolution of certain salts in water, where the dissolution process requires energy input, leading to a cooler solution. In an endothermic process, the energy absorbed is often used to break bonds within reactants, allowing the reaction to proceed. Thus, the statement that best captures the essence of an endothermic reaction is the one that indicates it absorbs heat energy.