Final answer:
Carbon is separated from other substances typically through chemical reactions, including methods such as reduction or electrolysis depending on the context, making the answer (a) Through chemical reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carbon can be separated and obtained through various methods depending on the compound or mixture it is part of. For instance, in the case of carbon in its ionic form as part of d-block elements, it can often be reduced to the free element with carbon as a reducing agent. As for the ions of f-block elements, these need to be extracted by methods such as electrolysis or by reduction with an active metal like calcium. When considering hydrocarbons, combustion analysis is a common technique used to measure the elemental composition of a sample, by burning it in oxygen and analyzing the resulting gases such as CO2, H2O, N2, and SO2.
To answer the original question: the element carbon is obtained and separated from other nearby substances typically through chemical reactions, which can include electrolysis as mentioned, as well as other methods depending on the specific context. Therefore, the answer is (a) Through chemical reactions.