The reaction above illustrated is

The energy profile diagram shows the energy changes during a chemical reaction. The reactants (A+B) start at an energy level of approximately 30 units, while the products (C+D) end at approximately 50 units. The activation energy peak reaches about 80 units.

Since the products have a higher energy level than the reactants, the reaction has absorbed energy from the surroundings. This net gain in energy by the reacting system is the defining characteristic of an endothermic reaction. The energy difference between products and reactants (\ (\Delta H\)) is positive, confirming that heat was taken in rather than released.

An exothermic reaction would show products at a lower energy level than reactants, indicating a release of energy. Here, the upward shift from reactants to products clearly indicates energy absorption.