Final answer:
The size of the cation does not affect the strength of the metallic bond, but other factors such as the number of delocalized electrons, the charge on the cation, and the mass of the metal do.
Step-by-step explanation:
The size of the cation does not affect the strength of the metallic bond. The strength of the metallic bond is primarily determined by the number of delocalized electrons, the charge on the cation, and the mass of the metal.
For example, in a metallic bond, metal atoms lose electrons to form cations, and these cations are surrounded by a sea of delocalized electrons. The more delocalized electrons there are, the stronger the metallic bond.
The charge on the cation also plays a role. Cations with higher charges are able to attract more delocalized electrons, resulting in a stronger bond.
Learn more about factors affecting the strength of metallic bond