Giant covalent structures
2 marks · HardDescribe the structure and bonding in C60 fullerene, referring to how carbon atoms are arranged and bonded in this allotrope.
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Also accept: Each C60 molecule contains 60 carbon atoms arranged in a spherical shape, with each carbon atom bonded to three others by covalent bonds.; C60 fullerene is made up of 60 carbon atoms bonded in a spherical 'cage' structure, with each carbon forming three covalent bonds.
Common mistakes: Omitting the number of bonds per carbon; not stating the structure is a molecule, not a giant structure; confusing with graphite or diamond.
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Mentions that C60 is a molecule with 60 carbon atoms bonded in a spherical/cage structure.
B2 · 1 mark · States that each carbon atom forms three covalent bonds.
Worked solution
C60 fullerene is a molecule made of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a large spherical cage. Each carbon atom in the C60 molecule forms three covalent bonds with other carbon atoms.