Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an exothermic reaction?

An exothermic reaction is defined by its ability to release energy, typically in the form of heat, during the process of the reaction. This release of energy is what differentiates exothermic reactions from endothermic reactions, which absorb energy from their surroundings.

When examining the characteristics of exothermic reactions, one notable aspect is that they produce heat, contributing to a rise in temperature of the surrounding environment. This occurs because the reactants' stored chemical energy is converted into thermal energy, leading to warmer conditions.

Additionally, exothermic reactions involve a release of energy, which is an intrinsic part of the process. Therefore, both the production of heat and the release of energy effectively characterize an exothermic reaction and its potential effects on temperature.

In contrast, the idea that an exothermic reaction absorbs heat is fundamentally inaccurate. By definition, an exothermic reaction cannot absorb heat; otherwise, it would fall under the category of an endothermic reaction. Thus, stating that it absorbs heat correctly identifies a characteristic that does not belong to exothermic reactions.