What occurs during an endothermic process when energy is absorbed?

In an endothermic process, energy is absorbed from the surroundings, causing a decrease in the temperature of those surroundings. This is because the system is taking in heat, which leads to a drop in the thermal energy available in the environment surrounding the reaction. For example, when a solid dissolves in a solvent absorbing heat, the immediate environment will feel cooler.

While gas production or the formation of a new phase can occur in some endothermic reactions, they are not guaranteed outcomes for all such processes. A reaction ceasing also doesn't characterize endothermic processes, as they can continue as long as the appropriate energy is provided and conditions are met. Thus, the statement about the temperature of the surroundings decreasing is the most accurate representation of what happens during an endothermic reaction.