Final answer:
An endothermic process is a process in which heat is absorbed by the system from the surroundings, causing the surroundings to cool down.
Step-by-step explanation:
An endothermic process is a process in which heat is absorbed by the system from the surroundings. This causes the surroundings to cool down. For example, when ice melts, it absorbs heat from its surroundings, causing the temperature of the surroundings to decrease.
In contrast, an exothermic process is a process in which heat is released by the system into the surroundings, causing the temperature of the surroundings to increase. An example of an exothermic process is the combustion of gasoline, which releases heat and energy into the surroundings.
Therefore, in the given context, the correct answer is C. endothermic because the system is absorbing heat from its surroundings.