What type of heat is caused by applying electrical energy to matter?

The correct answer is electrical heat energy, which is generated when electrical energy is applied to matter. This phenomenon occurs as electrical current flows through a conductor, and the resistance within the material transforms some of that electrical energy into thermal energy, causing the material to heat up. This principle is commonly seen in everyday applications such as toasters and electric heaters, where electrical energy is converted directly into heat to perform work.

Mechanical heat energy, on the other hand, involves the generation of heat through mechanical processes, such as friction. Heat from arcing refers to the heat produced as a result of a discharge of electrical energy across an air gap, typically seen in electrical faults or sparks but is more specific than the general concept of electrical heat energy. Static electrical heating arises from the buildup of electric charge and is typically short-lived and localized, while electrical heat energy encompasses the broader process of converting electrical energy to heat in various contexts.