Question

Carbon$-60$ Contains :

• A. $\text{20 pentagons and 12 hexagons}$
• B. $\text{12 pentagons and 20 hexagons}$
• C. $\text{30 pentagons and 30 hexagons}$
• D. $\text{24 pentagons and 36 hexagons}$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $\text{12 pentagons and 20 hexagons}$

Using Euler's formula for any $C_n$ cluster ($n$ even and greater than $22$). Such clusters have at least one close hollow cage consisting of 12 pentagons and $\frac{(n-20)}{2}$ hexagons. For $C_{60},n=60$. Then, $\frac{(60-20)}{2}=20$ ( number of hexagons).