how to metal atoms form ions?\nthey gain protons\nthey gain electrons\nthey drop protons\nthey drop electrons

Brief Explanations:

Metal atoms have relatively few electrons in their out - most energy levels. To achieve a stable electron configuration (usually a full outer shell), they tend to lose (drop) electrons. Losing electrons results in the formation of positively charged ions (cations). Protons are in the nucleus and are not involved in ion - formation in this context. Gaining electrons is characteristic of non - metals to form anions.

Answer:

They drop electrons