Which term describes a process that produces or gives off heat?

The term that describes a process producing or giving off heat is exothermic. In an exothermic reaction, energy is released in the form of heat or light as the reaction progresses. This release of heat often raises the temperature of the surrounding environment, making it a key concept in both chemistry and fire science. Understanding exothermic processes is vital for firefighters and hazardous materials responders, as it relates to combustion reactions and the behavior of materials during a fire.

In contrast, an endothermic reaction absorbs heat from the surroundings, resulting in a temperature drop in the surroundings. Thermodynamic refers to the branch of physics that deals with heat and temperature and their relation to energy and work, but it does not specifically denote heat release. Catalytic relates to the use of catalysts in chemical reactions, which can speed up reactions but doesn't inherently describe whether those reactions release or absorb heat.