To save having a competition for who has the last word in this “debate”, it would be helpful for clarification of the terminology which is being used. I used the words “exothermic” and “endothermic” in the context of chemical reactions. I was quite specific in mentioning “chemical reactions”.
If you ask Dr Google for examples, you will find that the melting of an ice-block is described as an endothermic reaction. This is a physical event – the ice will melt if the ambient temperature is greater than the melting point of the ice. Yes, it is an endothermic reaction, caused by the ice absorbing heat from its surrounds, but it is a
physical reaction, and not a chemical reaction. No chemical bonds are formed or broken in such a physical reaction. It is true that this can occur at ambient temperatures without generated heat being used, and you can rightly claim that the ice has absorbed heat from its surroundings.
BUT I was specifically talking about chemical reactions which involve chemical bonds being formed or reformed. The following information is from the website:
Simple Endothermic Reaction Examples
Chemical reactions are all about the energy. In an endothermic reaction, heat is used for the reaction to occur. The heat energy breaks the bonds in the substance causing the reaction. As the heat is absorbed, the product will be colder. This is actually one of the key characteristics of an endothermic reaction.
Dani, would you please advise an example of an
endothermic chemical reaction which occurs at ambient temperatures in a laboratory?