Which of the following correctly describes how metals behave in an ionic bond?

Metals lose their valence electrons and form positive ions.

Metals lose their valence electrons and form negative ions.

Metals gain valence electrons and form positive ions.

Metals gain valence electrons and form negative ions.

Answer: Option (a) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Ionic bond is formed by the transfer of electrons.

Metals contain more number of electrons, so in order to attain stability they easily lose excess of electrons. This results in the formation of positive ions.

Thus, metals form ionic bonds.

Hence, we can conclude that metals lose their valence electrons and form positive ions.