Which of the following statements correctly describes how metals and nonmetals form ions?

• A. Metals gain electrons to form anions, while nonmetals lose electrons to form cations.
• B. Metals lose electrons to form cations, while nonmetals gain electrons to form anions.
• C. Both metals and nonmetals lose electrons to form anions.
• D. Both metals and nonmetals gain electrons to form cations.

Answer: (B)