Reactivity series placement and metal extraction methods

Steps:

• Place metals in standard reactivity order: K > Na > Ca > Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Sn > Pb > H > Cu > Ag.
• Identify X between Mg and Zn as Al (more reactive than Zn but less than Mg).
• Identify Y between Zn and Pb as Fe (more reactive than Pb but less than Zn).
• Extract Fe (Y) from its ore using reduction with carbon in a blast furnace, as Fe is below carbon in reactivity.

Why A is correct:

• Al fits X's position; Fe fits Y's; carbon reduction is the standard method for Fe ores like hematite (Fe₂O₃ + 3C → 2Fe + 3CO).

Why the others are wrong:

• B: Fe misplaced as X (should be after Zn); Al misplaced as Y; electrolysis suits Al but not position.
• C: Fe and Al both misplaced; carbon reduction fails for reactive Al (reacts with carbon).
• D: Same errors as C; incorrect positions and method for Al.

Final answer: A