Answer :
The reaction's energy change as it goes from reactants to products determines its classification:
1. If the reaction absorbs energy from the surroundings as it progresses from reactants to products, it is considered endothermic. This means energy is being taken in during the reaction.
2. On the other hand, if the reaction releases energy into the surroundings as it moves from reactants to products, it is classified as exothermic. In this case, energy is being given off during the reaction.
Based on the given options:
- A. Absorbs, endothermic: This option suggests that the reaction absorbs energy and is classified as endothermic.
- B. Absorbs, exothermic: This is contradictory as absorbing energy cannot be classified as exothermic.
- C. Releases, endothermic: This is also contradictory as releasing energy cannot be classified as endothermic.
- D. Releases, exothermic: This option correctly matches the definition of an exothermic reaction, where energy is released during the reaction.
Therefore, the correct classification for the reaction described is:
D. Releases, exothermic
