How do metals become stable?

Atoms of metal elements give away electrons in their reactions to form positive ions. The ions formed have a full outer electron shell, so are very stable.

Explanation:

To become stable, the metal atom wants to get rid of one or more electrons in its outer shell. ... Alternately, an atom that loses electrons becomes a positively charged ion (aka cations). The particles in an ionic compound are held together because there are oppositely charged particles that are attracted to one another.

answer carbon and three oxygen atoms;