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)

Question

This is my answer:
This is an endothermic process. An Endothermic reaction absorbs more energy than it releases. In this case, the heat energy from the environment is being absorbed making it an Endothermic reaction

Am I correct? Should I make any changes?

Answer 1

You are correct in identifying the process as endothermic. Your explanation effectively captures the key points: an endothermic reaction absorbs heat from its surroundings, which results in a decrease in temperature of the environment. However, you could enhance your response by explicitly stating that the ice pack absorbs heat energy, causing it to feel cold, and emphasizing that in endothermic reactions, the system takes in energy while the surroundings lose energy. Consider revising your response slightly to reinforce these points:

"This is an endothermic process because an endothermic reaction absorbs heat from its surroundings. In this case, the ice pack absorbs heat energy, which causes a decrease in temperature both in the ice pack itself and in the surrounding environment. The absorption of heat from the surroundings leads to a cold sensation in the ice pack."

This version retains your original points while providing a bit more clarity and detail.