Step 1: Understand exothermic reactions
An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat. In exothermic reactions, the products have lower energy than the reactants.
Step 2: Identify the exothermic reaction
Among the options:
- Option (1) is the formation of hydrogen chloride, which is an exothermic reaction.
- Option (2) is the formation of ammonia, which is also exothermic.
- Option (3) is the combustion of benzene, which is a highly exothermic reaction.
Answer: Therefore, option (1) represents an exothermic reaction. So, the correct answer is option (1).