Definition

Noun: A chemical reaction that absorbs heat from its surroundings. The system gains energy, causing the temperature of the surroundings to decrease.

Usage

The term "endothermic reaction" is used in chemistry to describe a process where energy, in the form of heat, is taken in. It is the opposite of an exothermic reaction, which releases heat. - The reaction is endothermic, requiring continuous heating to proceed. - Photosynthesis is an example of an endothermic reaction, using energy from sunlight.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• In Thermodynamics: The concept is described by a positive change in enthalpy (ΔH > 0), indicating the system has absorbed energy.
• Driving Reactions: Many endothermic reactions require a continuous input of energy to sustain the chemical change.

Variants and Related Words

• Endothermic (adjective): Describing a process or reaction that absorbs heat.
  • The melting of ice is an endothermic process.
• Endothermically (adverb): In an endothermic manner.
• Endotherm (noun): An organism that maintains its body temperature through internal metabolic heat; this is a related but distinct biological term.

Synonyms

• Heat-absorbing reaction
• Endergonic reaction (specifically refers to absorbing free energy, often related but not identical)

Antonyms

• Exothermic reaction (a chemical reaction accompanied by the release of heat)

Noun

1. a chemical reaction accompanied by the absorption of heat