How is an endothermic reaction characterized?

An endothermic reaction is characterized by its ability to absorb heat from its surroundings during the reaction process. This means that as the reaction proceeds, energy is taken in, usually resulting in a decrease in temperature of the immediate environment. In practical terms, this is often observed in processes such as the dissolution of certain salts in water or the photosynthesis in plants, where energy from sunlight is absorbed.

This heat absorption is critical to the reaction's mechanics, as it allows the reactants to overcome energy barriers and transform into products. Unlike exothermic reactions, which release heat and increase surroundings' temperature, endothermic reactions require a constant input of energy, typically in the form of heat. This essential characteristic distinguishes them from other types of reactions that do not necessarily depend on the absorption of heat for their progress.