Question

what has occurred if an increase in temperature accompanies a reaction?
energy was released.
energy was created.
energy was absorbed.
energy was destroyed.

Explanation:

In an exothermic reaction, heat (a form of energy) is released to the surroundings, causing an increase in temperature. Energy cannot be created or destroyed according to the law of conservation of energy. Absorbing energy would lead to a decrease in the surrounding - temperature for an endothermic reaction.

Answer:

Energy was released.