Which term describes a reaction that absorbs heat from the surroundings?

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Endothermic describes a reaction that absorbs heat from the surroundings. In these reactions, energy is taken into the chemical system, so the surroundings often feel cooler as heat flows in. This is why processes like photosynthesis are cited as endothermic—the system needs energy input from outside. By contrast, exothermic reactions release heat to the surroundings, making the surroundings warmer. Synthesis refers to a type of reaction where substances combine, but it doesn’t specify heat transfer. Catalytic describes a substance that speeds up a reaction without being consumed, not the direction of heat flow. So the term that best fits a reaction absorbing heat from the surroundings is endothermic.