A chemical reaction that absorbs heat is called an endothermic reaction. During this process, energy is absorbed from the surroundings, resulting in a decrease in temperature in the immediate environment. Endothermic reactions are characterized by a positive enthalpy change and commonly occur in processes like photosynthesis, where plants absorb sunlight to produce energy. These reactions are crucial in both biological systems and industrial applications. Understanding endothermic reactions can aid in various fields, including chemistry, thermodynamics, and even engineering.