Final answer:
An exothermic reaction releases energy, often as heat and sometimes as light. Examples include burning paper and cellular respiration. Photosynthesis, on the other hand, is an endothermic reaction, as it absorbs energy option c is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of reaction that releases energy in the form of heat and sometimes light is called an exothermic reaction. These reactions result in a net release of energy to the surroundings, often increasing the temperature, which is why they can be felt as heat or observed as light. Exothermic reactions include combustion, like burning paper, where the energy is released as both heat and light.
Regarding the identification of reactions:
Cellular respiration is an exergonic (exothermic) reaction because it releases energy.
Photosynthesis is an endergonic (endothermic) reaction because it absorbs energy from sunlight.
Catabolic reactions are typically exergonic because they involve breaking down molecules and releasing energy.
Anabolic reactions are usually endergonic because they build complex molecules from simpler ones and require an input of energy.