Steam reforming of naphtha produces ammonia synthesis gas. This is a/an __________ process.

ANS:B - endothermic

Sure, an endothermic process is a chemical reaction or physical change that absorbs heat from its surroundings. In simpler terms, it's a process that requires input of heat energy to proceed. Here's a breakdown of what happens in an endothermic process:

1. Heat Absorption: During an endothermic reaction, energy is absorbed from the surroundings. This absorption of energy is typically in the form of heat, causing the surroundings to lose heat and the temperature to decrease.
2. Energy Input: The energy input required for an endothermic process is used to break chemical bonds in the reactants and to overcome the activation energy barrier for the reaction to occur. This energy is then stored in the products as chemical potential energy.
3. Examples: Many physical and chemical processes are endothermic. For example, melting ice, evaporating water, and photosynthesis in plants are all endothermic processes that absorb heat from their surroundings. In chemical reactions, reactions that involve breaking stronger bonds in the reactants than those formed in the products are often endothermic.
4. Energy Diagram: In an energy diagram for an endothermic reaction, the energy of the products is higher than the energy of the reactants. The difference in energy represents the amount of heat absorbed during the reaction.

In summary, endothermic processes are characterized by the absorption of heat energy from the surroundings, resulting in a decrease in temperature of the surroundings. They play crucial roles in various natural and industrial processes, including phase changes, chemical reactions, and biological processes.