Buckminsterfullerene Structure and Real-World Applications

Fullerene is a pure carbon molecule formed by at least 60 carbon atoms. It can be prepared by heating graphite in an electric arc with inert gas. Fullerene molecules can be C60 or C70, with cage-like structures where each carbon is SP2 hybridized. C60 consists of 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons, forming a spherical shape, and is also known as Buckminster fullerene due to its football-like shape.

Explain the hybridization of carbon atoms in fullerenes.

What is the significance of Buckminster Fullerene's shape?