Freezing is an exothermic process. When water freezes and turns into ice, it releases energy in the form of heat. This occurs because the water molecules form strong hydrogen bonds as they transition from a liquid state to a solid state (ice). As these bonds are formed during the freezing process, energy is released into the surrounding environment, causing the temperature of the surroundings to increase. Therefore, the correct response is:
"Freezing is exothermic because as water bonds into ice, the energy from bond formation is released and heats up the surrounding environment."