Which of the following is an example of chemical energy contributing to ignition?

• A. Self-heating
• B. Friction
• C. Arcing
• D. Overcurrent

Answer: (A)

Chemical energy is energy stored in chemical bonds and released during chemical reactions, such as oxidation. When a material self-heats, internal chemical processes release heat. If that heat isn’t dissipated, the temperature rises until it reaches the material’s ignition point, leading to ignition. This is why self-heating is the example of chemical energy contributing to ignition.

Friction, arcing, and overcurrent involve energy from mechanical or electrical sources, not chemical energy. Friction converts kinetic energy into heat, arcing heats from an electrical discharge, and overcurrent causes heating due to electrical resistance.