Redseal Hairstyling License Practice Test

What is the term for a reaction that absorbs energy in the form of heat?

1. Exothermic reaction

2. Endothermic reaction

3. Catalytic reaction

4. Oxidative reaction

The correct answer is: Endothermic reaction

The term for a reaction that absorbs energy in the form of heat is the endothermic reaction. In such reactions, the system takes in heat from its surroundings, leading to a drop in temperature of the environment while the chemical processes are happening. This characteristic is essential in various chemical and physical transformations, such as photosynthesis in plants, where sunlight (a form of energy) is absorbed to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Exothermic reactions, in contrast, release energy, typically in the form of heat, resulting in an increase in temperature of the surroundings. Catalytic and oxidative reactions refer to different mechanisms and processes altogether, focusing either on the role of catalysts in speeding up reactions without being consumed or on reactions that involve the transfer of electrons, respectively. Understanding the nature of endothermic reactions is crucial, especially in fields like chemistry, biology, and even certain applications within hairstyling that involve heat treatments.