When a metal reacts with a nonmetal, the metal will ...

a) lose electrons and form a positive ion

b) gain electrons and form a negative ion

c) gain protons and form a negative ion

d) lose protons and form a positive ion

Answer : The correct option is, (a) lose electrons and form a positive ion

Explanation:

Metals : These are the elements that easily loose electrons and forms cations.

They require less energy to loose electrons because electrons are loosely bound to the nucleus.

Non-metals : These are the elements that easily gain electrons to form an anion.

They require more energy to loose electrons because the electrons are tightly bound to the nucleus.

As per question, when a metal reacts with a nonmetal, the metal will lose electrons and form a positive ion and non-metal gain electrons and form a negative ion.

Hence, the correct option is, (a)