National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What does exothermic mean in terms of heat?

1. Absorb heat

2. Conserve heat

3. Release heat

4. Reflect heat

The correct answer is: Release heat

The term "exothermic" refers to a process or reaction that releases heat into its surroundings. In an exothermic reaction, the energy transformation results in a net release of energy, often observed as an increase in temperature of the environment. This concept is commonly applied in various chemical reactions, such as combustion, where the bonds formed in the products release more energy than those broken in the reactants. The other terms, like absorbing heat, conserving heat, or reflecting heat, describe different thermal interactions or processes. Absorbing heat refers to endothermic processes where substances take in heat. Conserving heat relates to insulation and preventing heat loss, while reflecting heat typically denotes materials that redirect thermal radiation. None of these accurately define the essence of an exothermic reaction, which is the release rather than absorption or conservation of heat.