Extraction of tin uses carbon reduction due to its reactivity series position

Steps:

• Identify tin's position: below carbon but above lead in the reactivity series.
• Recall extraction rule: metals below carbon are extracted by reduction with carbon monoxide or coke.
• Evaluate options: heating with carbon powder matches carbon reduction process.
• Confirm: tin ore (cassiterite, SnO2) is reduced by carbon in a furnace to yield tin metal.

Why D is correct:

• Tin is less reactive than carbon, so carbon acts as a reducing agent in the reaction SnO2 + 2C → Sn + 2CO.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Electrolysis is for highly reactive metals above carbon, like aluminum.
• B: Heat alone cannot reduce tin oxide; a reducing agent is required.
• C: Aluminum reduction (thermite) is for metals more reactive than aluminum, not tin.

Final answer: D