Final answer:
Heat is absorbed by the system during an endothermic process, and it is released into the surroundings during an exothermic process. (Option B)
Step-by-step explanation:
During an endothermic process, the system absorbs heat energy, which results in a cooling effect on the surroundings because heat is taken in. In contrast, an exothermic process leads to the release of heat energy into the surroundings, causing an increase in the surrounding temperature as the system loses heat. Thus, the correct response to the question of what happens to heat during an endothermic and exothermic process is B: An endothermic process absorbs heat energy, while an exothermic process releases heat energy.
Understanding the distinction between endothermic and exothermic processes is crucial in various fields, from chemistry to biology, as it provides insights into energy changes within systems and reactions. This knowledge is foundational for scientists and engineers in designing processes and predicting how they will impact the surrounding environment based on heat flow.