What type of ions do metals typically form?

Metals typically form positive ions, which are known as cations. This occurs because metals have few electrons in their outer shell and tend to lose those electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, similar to that of noble gases. By losing electrons, metal atoms become positively charged since the number of protons in the nucleus exceeds the number of electrons surrounding it. This property is fundamental in various chemical reactions, particularly in ionic bonding, where metals react with nonmetals (which generally form negative ions, or anions) to form compounds.

The process of metals losing electrons makes them effective conductors of electricity, as the flow of electrons is what facilitates electrical current. This characteristic is also pivotal in applications like electroplating and galvanization, where metal ions are deposited onto surfaces.

Understanding that metals form positive ions allows us to appreciate their behavior in chemical reactions and their roles in forming ionic compounds.