What process describes the absorption of heat in a chemical reaction?

In a chemical reaction, the process that describes the absorption of heat is referred to as endothermic. During an endothermic reaction, energy in the form of heat is taken in from the surroundings, leading to a drop in temperature in the environment around the reaction. This absorption of heat is necessary for the reaction to proceed, as it may involve breaking bonds within reactants, which requires energy input.

In contrast, exothermic reactions release heat, resulting in an increase in temperature of the surroundings. Catalytic processes involve the use of a catalyst to speed up a reaction without being consumed, and thermodynamic refers to the study of energy transformations in general, rather than the specific heat absorption characteristic of endothermic reactions. Therefore, endothermic is the appropriate term for reactions that absorb heat.