IGCSE Chemistry Practice Exam 2025 - Free IGCSE Chemistry Practice Questions and Study Guide

Buckminsterfullerene, commonly referred to as "buckyballs," is a molecular form of carbon consisting of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a spherical structure. When assessing its melting point, it's important to consider its physical and chemical properties. Buckminsterfullerene has a relatively low melting point in comparison to many other forms of carbon, such as diamond or graphite. This is largely due to the weak intermolecular forces, specifically van der Waals forces, that exist between the spherical molecules in the solid phase.

The low melting point means that at relatively modest temperatures, buckminsterfullerene can transition from a solid to a liquid state, which is characteristic of substances that do not have strong covalent bonding holding their particles together. Thus, its behavior under heat reflects its distinct molecular structure and the nature of the forces at play, making it accurate to describe buckminsterfullerene as possessing a low melting point.