What is the result of a chemical reaction where energy is absorbed?

In a chemical reaction where energy is absorbed, the process is termed an endothermic reaction. This type of reaction requires energy input, often in the form of heat, from the surrounding environment to proceed. As a result, the temperature of the surroundings may decrease, reflecting the absorption of energy.

Endothermic reactions typically involve the breaking of bonds, which requires energy, and they result in products that have higher energy than the starting materials. This contrasts with exothermic reactions, where energy is released, leading to an increase in temperature of the surroundings. In terms of energy flow, endothermic reactions are characterized by a net intake of energy, which is crucial for the reaction to occur.

Other types of reactions, such as catalytic and oxidation reactions, do not specifically categorize energy absorption. While they may involve energy changes, they do not define the reaction as one that necessarily absorbs energy, making endothermic the most accurate descriptor in this context.