Which of the following is an example of an endothermic reaction?
Answer Details
An example of an endothermic reaction is the **decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)** into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2).
In an endothermic reaction, energy is **absorbed** from the surroundings, causing the surroundings to **lose heat**. In the case of the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, energy is required to break the bonds within the hydrogen peroxide molecule and form water and oxygen molecules. This energy is taken from the environment, resulting in a decrease in temperature of the surroundings.
On the other hand, in an exothermic reaction, energy is **released** to the surroundings, causing the surroundings to **gain heat**. Combustion of propane, burning of methane, and formation of table salt are all examples of exothermic reactions where energy is released in the form of heat.
Therefore, the correct answer is: **Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2)**.