Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): The structure of Buckminsterfullerene ( C ₆₀ ) contains 12 six-membered carbon rings and 20 five-membered carbon rings. Reason (R): All carbon atoms in Buckminsterfullerene undergo sp ^2 hybridization. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given b

Step-by-step solution

Assertion (A) is false because the structure of Buckminsterfullerene ( C ₆₀ ) contains 20 six-membered carbon rings and 12 five-membered carbon rings, not 12 six-membered and 20 five-membered rings. Reason (R) is true because in Buckminsterfullerene, each carbon atom forms three sigma bonds with three other carbon atoms, and the remaining electron at each carbon is delocalised in molecular orbitals. Thus, all carbon atoms are sp ^2 hybridized. Therefore, Assertion (A) is false but Reason (R) is true. Answer: Assert