Question

When a system releases heat to the surroundings it is a(n) _____ process.

Answer 1

Exothermic process.  An endothermic process is referring to a system that absorbs heat from the surroundings.  

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Answer:

b. exothermic

Explanation:

Unlike endothermic reactions, exothermic reactions have a negative energy balance when comparing the total enthalpy of the reactants with that of the products. Thus, the final enthalpy variation is negative (less energy products than reactants) and indicates that there was more energy release in the form of heat to the external environment than absorption - also in the form of heat. For this reason, we can say that a system that releases heat to the environment is an exothermic process.