What occurs during an endothermic process?

In an endothermic process, energy is absorbed from the surroundings in the form of heat. This causes a decrease in the temperature of the surroundings and an increase in the internal energy of the system. Common examples of endothermic processes include the melting of ice, the evaporation of water, and the dissolution of certain salts in water. These processes require energy input to overcome intermolecular forces or to change the phase of a substance.

When examining the nature of an endothermic reaction, it's essential to understand that energy must be supplied for the reaction to proceed. This contrasts with exothermic reactions, where energy is released, leading to an increase in the temperature of the surroundings. There are no significant changes or conversions of energy states in endothermic reactions that would suggest mechanical work or an absence of energy change. Thus, the correct choice accurately reflects the fundamental characteristics of endothermic processes.