J.R. S. answered 05/22/21
Ph.D. University Professor with 10+ years Tutoring Experience
An exothermic reaction means heat (energy) is given off to the surroundings. That means that heat (energy) will be a product, rather than a reactant.
A + B ==> C+ D + energy
For an endothermic reaction, heat is absorbed from the surroundings into the system, so heat (energy) will be a reactant.
A + B + energy ==> C+ D