How does the method used for extracting a metal from its ore depend on the metal’s position in the reactivity series? Explain with examples.

Extraction of metal from its concentrated ore is essentially a process of reduction of the metal compound present in it.

Example: Manganese metal is obtained by the reduction of its oxide with aluminium powder and not carbon. This is because carbon is less reactive than manganese. Carbon which is a non-metal is more reactive than zinc and can be placed above zinc in reactive series. Hence, carbon can reduce the oxides of zinc and all other metals below zinc to form metals.