Final answer:
The correct answer is Self-heating (B) as it is a process involving oxidation, which is a chemical reaction that releases energy when a substance reacts with oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
The source of energy that is a form of oxidation is Self-heating (B). Oxidation is a chemical reaction that involves the transfer of electrons or the gain of oxygen. It results in the release of energy, often in the form of heat. Self-heating can occur when materials undergo oxidation, such as when compost piles heat up due to the oxidation of organic material by microbes. This is different from the other options provided where sparking (A) involves a sudden electrical discharge, resistance heating (C) is related to electrical current passing through a resistance, and spontaneous ignition (D) can be the result of oxidation but is specific to a substance reaching its ignition temperature without an external flame or spark.
Review questions that help us understand this concept include energy transformations where all options, including heating up dinner in a microwave, solar panels at work, and formation of static electricity, involve a transformation of energy, and hence none of the above (D) is not an example of an energy transformation. In the context of biochemical reactions, cellular respiration and catabolic reactions are exergonic, as they release energy, while photosynthesis and anabolic reactions are endergonic, as they require the input of energy. Also, the original source of energy for both wind energy and hydropower is ultimately the sun, impacting the Earth's weather systems including precipitation (A).