In general, metals react by: a. gaining valence electrons b. sharing valence electrons c. sometimes gaining and sometimes losing valence electrons d. losing valence electrons

Option (D) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

It is known that metals are the substances which hold excess number of electrons and hence they need to lose electrons in order to gain stability.

For example, potassium is a metal with atomic number 19 and its electronic configuration is 2, 8, 8, 1.

So, it needs to gain stability and hence, it easily loses its one valence  electron to acquire a positive charge as .

Thus, we can conclude that in general, metals react by losing valence electrons.

plasma is the state of matter where the substance is ionized and has no definite shape or volume. the fact of being ionized makes the substance a good electrical conductor.