Which one of the following metals is widely extracted by the electrolysis of its molten compound ?

Metals are extracted based on their position in the reactivity series. Highly reactive metals, such as sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca), cannot be reduced from their oxides using carbon because they have a higher affinity for oxygen than carbon does [2]. Consequently, these metals are widely extracted through the electrolytic reduction of their molten compounds, typically their molten chlorides [2]. For instance, sodium is commercially produced via the Down's process, which involves the electrolysis of fused (molten) sodium chloride. In this process, sodium ions are reduced to sodium metal at the cathode, while chlorine gas is liberated at the anode [2]. In contrast, less reactive metals like copper (Cu) are often found in a native state or extracted via chemical reduction, and gold (Au) is typically found in its native state [1].

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Metals and Non-metals > 3.4.1 Extraction of Metals > p. 50
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Metals and Non-metals > 3.4.5 Extracting Metals towards the Top of the Activity Series > p. 52