Chemistry A-Level
Cations and delocalised electrons
What Cations and delocalised electrons means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Cations and delocalised electrons
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Cations and delocalised electrons in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Each metal atom loses its outer electrons to become a positive ion, and those released electrons are shared across the whole lattice rather than belonging to any one ion.
Topics that use Cations and delocalised electrons
- Periodicity (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Applying the sequence to specific elements
- atomic radius
- delocalised electrons
- Distinction from mass number and relative atomic mass
- electrostatic attraction
- First ionisation energy
- Forces broken on melting
- Giant lattice structure
Using Cations and delocalised electrons in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Chemistry questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Chemistry A-Level termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge