Concept:Metal extraction is fundamentally a reduction process because metal ions gain electrons to become free metals.
Explanation:In ores, metals are present as positive ions, such as oxides, sulphides, or chlorides.
For example, a metal ion
Mn+ must gain
n electrons to form the free metal
M.
Gaining electrons is defined as reduction.
Even when electrolysis is used, the metal is deposited at the cathode by reduction.
Therefore, the most common fundamental step in extracting metals from their ores is reduction.
Answer:D. reduction