How is temperature typically affected during an exothermic reaction?

In an exothermic reaction, the process involves the release of energy, usually in the form of heat. This energy release occurs as the reactants transform into products, contributing to an increase in the temperature of the surroundings. The key aspect of exothermic reactions is that they lose energy to the environment, which manifests as a rise in temperature. This is why selecting that the temperature rises is the correct choice.

The other options suggest either a decrease in temperature, no change, or fluctuations, which do not accurately characterize the thermal behavior of exothermic reactions. In reality, the release of energy is a defining feature of these reactions, leading to a noticeable rise in temperature.