Oxidation means loss of electrons. Metals are electropositive and lose electrons easily to form positively charged ions with stable octet structures, thus they tend to be oxidized. Reduction means gain of electrons. Non-metals are electronegative and gain electrons easily to form negatively charged ions with stable octet structures, thus they tend to be reduced. Solution Oxidation means loss of electrons. Metals are electropositive and lose electrons easily to form positively charged ions with stable octet structures, thus they tend to be oxidized. Reduction means gain of electrons. Non-metals are electronegative and gain electrons easily to form negatively charged ions with stable octet structures, thus they tend to be reduced..