How many electrons do metals typically lose to form cations?

Metals commonly lose electrons to form cations, and the number of electrons they typically lose can vary based on the type of metal. However, many of the most common metals, particularly those in Group 1 of the periodic table, such as sodium and potassium, tend to lose one electron to achieve a stable electronic configuration. This process results in the formation of cations with a positive charge of +1.

While some metals, particularly those further down the periodic table or in other groups, can lose two or even three electrons to form cations, the most familiar and frequently encountered cations formed by metals in basic chemistry lessons, especially when discussing the alkali metals and some alkaline earth metals, indicate the common tendency to lose one electron.

In summary, the typical behavior of many metals, particularly in foundation-level chemistry contexts, is to lose one electron, leading to the formation of a +1 cation. This aligns with the correct answer being that metals typically lose one electron to form cations.