5.1 explain how the methods of extraction of the metals in this section are related to their positions in the reactivity series

Methods of extraction are closely linked to the position of a metal in the reactivity series. This means that, by looking at the reactivity series, you can easily see the best way to extract that metal. They are grouped as follows...

All (and only) metals below carbon in the reactivity series (zinc, iron and tin)can be extracted by a reduction reaction with carbon (method: heat the ore with carbon monoxide). This happens because the carbon is more reactive, so for example (when extracting iron from iron oxide) the carbon displaces the iron, to form carbon dioxide and iron (NOTE: this is why we react carbon monoxide, so carbon dioxide is formed, if we were to react just carbon, carbon monoxide would we be formed which is poisonous).

If an element is more reactive than carbon (higher than carbon in the reactivity series), carbon will not displace it. This means that all metals more reactive than carbon have to be displaced with electrolysis (this separates the metal from the other elements in the compound using electricity).

image credit: slideshare