Briefly describe what happens during an exothermic reaction and provide an example

In exothermic chemical reactions, the heat that is released by the reaction takes the form of electromagnetic energy or kinetic energy of molecules.

Example : any combustion process, rusting of iron, and freezing of water

exothermic reactions are when reactions release energy into the environment in the form of heat. when this occurs heat is released and has a negative standard enthalpy change. ex: rusting iron or freezing water.