The process is endothermic because the ice pack absorbs heat energy from its surroundings, resulting in a decrease in temperature of the environment. In an endothermic reaction, the reaction takes in heat, which causes the surrounding temperature to drop as energy is taken away. This is in contrast to an exothermic reaction, where energy is released and the surroundings typically become warmer. The cooling effect observed when the ice pack is activated clearly indicates that heat is being absorbed rather than released.
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? Explain your reasoning in 3-5 sentences.(4 points)
1 answer
1 answer