Final answer:
Melting ice is an endothermic reaction because it absorbs energy from the surroundings to weaken the molecular bonds and transform ice into water.
Step-by-step explanation:
Melting ice is considered an endothermic reaction because it requires the absorption of energy to weaken and break the intermolecular forces that hold the water molecules in a solid structure. When heat is transferred to the ice from its surroundings, the ice absorbs this energy, which allows the molecules to move apart and assume a liquid state, melting the ice. This process involves an increase in enthalpy (heat absorbed from the surroundings is positive, conventionally written as q > 0), and therefore, the correct answer to the question is 'd The ice absorbs the energy from the air that then loosens the intermolecular forces to melt the ice cube.'