How is the way metals form ions different from the way nonmetals form ions?

Question

Think about this. When Na, a metal, becomes an ion, what must it do? It has one electron in its outside shell. When Cl, a non-metal, forms an ion, what must it do? It has seven electrons in its outside shell. Post your answer here and you will have the answer to your original question.

Na must lose an electron. Cl must gain an electron. Therefore, metals must lose electron(s) and nonmetals must gain electron(s)?

yes.