What describes the change in energy during an endothermic reaction?

In an endothermic reaction, energy is absorbed from the surroundings into the system. This occurs when the total energy of the reactants is less than that of the products, requiring an input of energy, often in the form of heat, to facilitate the reaction. As a result, the temperature of the surroundings may decrease, which is a hallmark of an endothermic process.

The essence of an endothermic reaction lies in its ability to take in energy, which distinguishes it from exothermic reactions where energy is released. This absorption of energy is a fundamental characteristic of endothermic reactions, making it clear that option C accurately describes the change in energy during these types of processes.