Question

An ice pack is cracked, starting a reaction. The ice pack decreases in temperature as the reaction absorbs heat energy from the environment. The temperature of the surroundings decreases as heat is absorbed by the ice pack. Is this process exothermic or endothermic?

Answer 1

The process you described is endothermic. An endothermic reaction absorbs heat energy from the surrounding environment, leading to a decrease in temperature around the reaction. In the case of the ice pack, as it initiates a chemical reaction that absorbs heat, it draws thermal energy from its surroundings, causing the temperature of the surroundings to decrease. Therefore, the reaction occurring in the ice pack is classified as endothermic.