Exothermic reaction

[Fork909]

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When a reaction takes place in solution and the solution "heats up" (ie a thermometer is placed in it and the temperature rises), why is this considered EXOthermic? If the solution is giving off heat, wouldn't the solution itself become colder in the process?

Could someone please explain this to me?

Thanks!

 

[Sed8&Intub8]

The reaction is giving off heat to the solution, therefore the solution heats up.

If it was endothermic it would take heat from the solution and the solution would cool down.

 

[Cawolf]

Exactly as the above poster said. Consider the reaction (reactants and products) as the system and the solution as the surroundings.