Question

question 26 of 30 which is characteristic of an exothermic reaction? a. material absorbs heat from its surroundings. b. molecules in a material become more orderly. c. material releases heat to its surroundings. d. molecules in a material become less orderly.

Explanation:

An exothermic reaction is defined as a chemical reaction where energy (in the form of heat) is released by the system (the material undergoing the reaction) to the surroundings. Let's analyze each option:

• Option A: Absorbing heat from surroundings is characteristic of an endothermic reaction, not exothermic. So A is incorrect.
• Option B: The order of molecules (related to entropy) is not the defining characteristic of an exothermic reaction. Exothermicity is about heat release, not molecular order. So B is incorrect.
• Option C: This matches the definition of an exothermic reaction, where the material (system) releases heat to the surroundings.
• Option D: Molecular disorder (entropy change) is not the key characteristic of an exothermic reaction. Exothermic reactions can have various entropy changes, and this is not what defines them. So D is incorrect.

Answer:

C. Material releases heat to its surroundings.