Question

Which statement is correct about metals

O they have 7 valence electrons
O they tend to gain electrons when making ionic bond
O they tend to lose electrons when making ionic bond
O they prefer to share electrons

Answer 1

Metals tend to lose electrons to form positively charged ions, or cations, which is crucial for the formation of ionic compounds according to the octet rule.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement about metals is that they tend to lose electrons when making ionic bond. In accordance with the octet rule, atoms strive to have eight electrons in their valence shell to achieve stability.

Metals, which usually have three or fewer valence electrons, can easily lose these electrons to form a valence shell with a stable configuration of eight electrons. Upon losing electrons, metals become positively charged ions known as cations.

This tendency to lose electrons and form ions with a positive charge is pivotal in the formation of ionic compounds.