how is the freezing of water considered an exothermic process?

Answer 1

To freeze water you need a temperate driving force to absorb heat which needs to be dissipated when water changes state from liquid to solid. The reverse process absorbs heat (think of the cooling effect of melting ice)

Answer 2

Its considered to be exothermic because energy is leaving the substance. Particle motion is a result of the kinetic energy in the water. When the water freezes, the particle motion stopps (it actually doesnt stop, but nearly) thus the loss of energy. When that energy leaves an exothermic reaction has occured.

Answer 3

Because heat must be removed from water to freeze it. This is true of any solidification of a liquid or condensation of a vapor. The latter iswidely used as in steam heating.
melting a solid is of course endothermic & this is widely used as well, as in putting ice in a cooler.

Answer 4

any change of state takes heat. to cool something you need to take heat away from the stubstance. exothermic means it gives off heat.