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what process is usually used to extract metals that are more reactive than carbon?

The process usually used to extract metals that are more reactive than carbon is electrolysis of the molten compound (ore).

Quick Scoop

For metals high up in the reactivity series (like potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and aluminium), carbon is not reactive enough to displace them from their compounds. Instead, their ores are melted and a strong electric current is passed through them, splitting the compound so the pure metal is released at one of the electrodes. This method needs a lot of energy, which is why metals like aluminium are expensive to extract.

In school-exam wording, if you see
“Metals more reactive than carbon are usually extracted by…?”
the expected answer is: electrolysis.

TL;DR: Metals more reactive than carbon are usually extracted by electrolysis of their molten compounds.

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