Graphene and fullerenes | Exit Quiz | Oak National Academy

What is graphene?

• a spherical fullerene

• a single layer of graphite

• a type of diamond

• a nanotube

Answer explanation

Graphene is an allotrope of carbon that forms a flat sheet just one atom thick.

Which property is not associated with graphene?

• high electrical conductivity

• simple molecular structure

• high strength

• flexible

Answer explanation

Graphene is a giant covalent substance due to its lattice structure. Graphene is known for its strength, conductivity, and its flexibility.

Match the following terms with their correct descriptions.

• buckminsterfullerene

• spherical fullerene composed of 60 carbon atoms

• fullerene

• single layer of graphite

• allotrope

• different structural form of an element

• graphene

• molecular allotrope of carbon forming nanoparticles with hollow shapes

• nanotube

• cylindrical fullerene known for its strength and conductivity

Answer explanation

Allotropes vary in structure: Graphene is a thin graphite layer; Fullerene forms hollow shapes; Buckminsterfullerene is a spherical C₆₀ structure; and Nanotube is a cylindrical form of graphene.

All carbon allotropes are giant covalent substances.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Fullerenes are large but simple molecules. Diamond, graphite and graphene are giant covalent substances.

Arrange the following carbon allotropes in order of their tensile strength, from weakest to strongest.

• spherical fullerenes

• nanotubes

• graphene

Answer explanation

Graphene is known for its exceptional strength, followed by nanotubes, with spherical fullerenes being the weakest due to their molecular structure.

A Buckminsterfullerene is a spherical fullerene of ___ carbon atoms.

Answer explanation

A Buckminsterfullerene is a spherical fullerene of sixty carbon atoms (C₆₀).