What type of reaction is characterized by taking in heat and feeling cold?

An endothermic reaction is characterized by the absorption of heat from the surroundings. This process results in a drop in temperature in the immediate environment, leading individuals to feel cold as the reaction occurs. During an endothermic reaction, the chemical system takes in energy, specifically heat, which facilitates the breaking of bonds or the formation of new products.

For example, when ice melts, it absorbs heat from its surroundings, including the skin, leading to a cooling effect. This principle applies broadly across various chemical and physical processes where heat is required to drive the reaction forward.

In contrast, an exothermic reaction releases heat into the environment, often causing the surroundings to feel warm. The terms thermal and radiant are not specific to reactions and do not accurately describe the principles of heat absorption or release in a chemical context.