Identify Buckminsterfullerene, C60, as a spherical fullerene.

In the subtopic Graphene and fullerenes, this learning objective focuses on identify Buckminsterfullerene, C60, as a spherical fullerene. Within Structure and bonding of carbon, students should explain this idea in the exact curriculum context rather than as an isolated fact. Approved keywords for this objective include fullerene, Buckminsterfullerene, and C60. Buckminsterfullerene means a spherical fullerene molecule composed of 60 carbon atoms, also known as C60. Avoid students often confuse Buckminsterfullerene, C60, with other fullerene structures and fail to identify it as spherical; instead to fix this, students should focus on the specific characteristics of Buckminsterfullerene, including its spherical shape and the fact that it consists of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a pattern of hexagons and pentagons. For exam answers, practice sketching the structure of Buckminsterfullerene, C60, to reinforce your understanding of its spherical shape.