Which statement is true about an exothermic reaction?

The statement that an exothermic reaction releases heat to the environment is accurate. In an exothermic reaction, the chemical process involves the release of energy, primarily in the form of heat, as reactants transform into products. This release of heat means that the system gives off energy, leading to an increase in the temperature of the surrounding environment.

This is a fundamental characteristic of exothermic reactions, which are often observed in processes like combustion, respiration, and many types of synthesis reactions. The thermal energy produced can increase the temperature of surrounding reactants or the environment, and it is a key feature that differentiates exothermic reactions from endothermic reactions, which absorb energy.