Which of the following best describes an endothermic reaction?

An endothermic reaction is characterized by the absorption of heat from the surroundings. During this type of reaction, 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 system takes in heat, which can lead to a decrease in the surrounding temperature. This phenomenon occurs because the energy is drawn from the environment, leading to a cooling effect outside the reaction site.

The possibility of other answers reflects a misunderstanding of the endothermic process. For example, while temperature may indeed decrease as heat is drawn into the reaction, the fundamental definition centers around the absorption of heat, making the correct description of an endothermic reaction the one emphasizing heat absorption.