In simple terms, please describe:

Question

If a cracked ice pack decreases temperature as the reaction absorbs energy from the environment. The temperature of the surroundings decreases as heat is absorbed by the ice pack. Is this exothermic or endothermic?
Explain in simple terms.

Answer 1

When we talk about a cracked ice pack that cools down its surroundings, we are looking at an endothermic reaction.

Here’s why:

• Endothermic means that the reaction absorbs energy (in this case, heat) from the environment around it. When the ice pack is activated, it absorbs heat from the air (and anything it touches), which makes the environment cooler.

• Because the ice pack absorbs heat, it decreases the temperature of its surroundings, making them cooler.

So, in simple terms, when the ice pack is used, it cools down by taking heat from the environment, and that's why it's considered an endothermic process.