What is a key characteristic of cations in a metal lattice?

Cations in a metal lattice are positively charged ions created when metal atoms lose electrons. One of the key characteristics of these cations is their role in affecting the physical properties of metals, such as malleability and ductility. In a metallic lattice structure, the cations are surrounded by a "sea of electrons," which allows the layers of atoms to slide over one another when stress is applied. This ability to deform without breaking contributes significantly to a metal's malleability (the ability to be hammered into thin sheets) and ductility (the ability to be drawn into wires). Therefore, option C accurately reflects the important influence of cations on these mechanical properties of metals.

In contrast, negatively charged ions would not be cations, and the formation of strong covalent bonds is more characteristic of nonmetals. Additionally, while cations predominantly exist in solid metals, they can be part of ionic solutions as well, making the statement about their existence limited to solids not fully accurate.