The process described is endothermic. In an endothermic reaction, the system (in this case, the ice pack) absorbs heat energy from its surroundings, which leads to a decrease in temperature of the surroundings. Since the ice pack is decreasing in temperature as it absorbs heat, it indicates that energy is being taken from the environment rather than released. Consequently, the overall effect is that the surroundings feel cooler as the ice pack undergoes its chemical reaction.
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.
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