When combining with nonmetallic atoms, metallic atoms generally will (a) lose electrons and form negative ions (b) lose electrons and from positive ions (c) gain electrons and from negative ions (d) gain electrons and form positive ions

(b) lose electrons and form positive ions

Explanation:

Ionic bonding:-

This type of bonding is formed when there is a complete transfer of electrons from one element to another element. In this bonding one element is always a metal and another is a non-metal.

For example, the formation of NaCl

The electronic configuration of sodium with Z = 11 is : 2, 8, 1

The electronic configuration of chlorine with Z = 17 is : 2, 8, 7

Thus, sodium loses one electron and become positively charged and chlorine accepts this electron and become negatively charged and they have both their octets complete and form ionic bond.

Hence, can be seen from the above example, metallic atoms generally lose electrons and form positive ions.