Metals high up in the reactivity series cannot be obtained by heating with carbon because they have a higher affinity for oxygen than carbon. These metals, including sodium, magnesium, and calcium, are obtained by electrolytic reduction, such as the electrolysis ...

Displacement reactions producing metals in the molten state are known as thermit reactions. An example is the use of the thermit reaction (iron(III) oxide with aluminium) to join railway tracks or repair cracked machine parts.

Carbon (coke) is commonly used as a reducing agent to obtain metals from their oxides. Highly reactive metals like sodium, calcium, and aluminium can displace metals of lower reactivity from their compounds in displacement reactions, functioning as powerful reducing agents ...

In a solution of an ionic compound in water, ions are present, allowing for the conduction of electricity as charged particles move to the opposite electrodes. Ionic compounds in the solid state do not conduct electricity due to their rigid ...

Elements or compounds occurring naturally in the earth’s crust are called minerals, and those with high metal content suitable for profitable extraction are referred to as ores.