What does an exothermic reaction do?

An exothermic reaction is characterized by the release of heat to its surroundings. This process typically occurs when chemical bonds are formed during the reaction, which can lead to the generation of energy in the form of thermal energy. This release of heat can raise the temperature of the products or the environment surrounding the reaction.

In contrast to other types of reactions, such as endothermic reactions—where heat is absorbed from the surroundings—exothermic reactions drive a temperature increase in their environment. This property is significant in various real-world applications, such as combustion reactions and certain types of metabolic processes in organisms, where energy transfer is crucial for maintaining life functions.