What type of heating is characterized by ions moving to generate heat during RF ablation?

Resistive heating is characterized by the movement of ions in a conducting medium, which generates heat through the resistance encountered as an electric current passes through the tissue. In the context of RF (Radio Frequency) ablation, electromagnetic energy is applied to biological tissues, causing ion movement due to the alternating electric field. This movement leads to collisions between ions, which generates thermal energy, thus heating the tissue for the purpose of ablation.

The other options describe different heating mechanisms. Conductive heating involves direct contact transfer of heat between materials, radiative heating refers to heat energy transfer through electromagnetic waves without needing a medium, and convection heating relies on the movement of fluids to transfer heat. These mechanisms are not primarily responsible for the ion movement and resulting heat generation in RF ablation, making resistive heating the correct characterization of the process involved.