Statement Analysis: Buckyballs and Fly Ash

Let's break down the two statements about buckyballs (fullerenes) and fly ash.

Statement-I Evaluation: Buckyballs Structure

Statement-I claims: "Buckyballs, also known as fullerenes, are fascinating carbon molecules that resemble soccer balls".

• Buckyballs, scientifically termed fullerenes, are indeed allotropes of carbon.
• The most common form, Buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀), has a structure composed of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a spherical cage.
• This structure remarkably resembles the panels of a traditional soccer ball, with pentagons and hexagons forming the cage.
• Therefore, Statement-I is correct.

Statement-II Evaluation: Fly Ash Composition

Statement-II claims: "Fly Ash from thermal power plants contain buckyballs".

• Fly ash is a fine powder residue that results from coal combustion in thermal power plants.
• Its primary components are oxides like silicon dioxide (SiO₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), iron oxide (Fe₂O₃), and calcium oxide (CaO).
• While some scientific studies have suggested the possible presence of fullerenes or fullerene-like structures in fly ash due to the high-temperature carbonization process, this is not a universally confirmed or significant component.
• The formation conditions are specific, and their concentration, if present, is generally very low and not a defining characteristic of fly ash.
• Compared to the primary mineral components, buckyballs are not considered a standard constituent. Thus, in a general context, this statement is considered inaccurate.
• Therefore, Statement-II is incorrect.

Conclusion on Statements

Based on the analysis:

• Statement-I is correct.
• Statement-II is incorrect.

This aligns with the option indicating that Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.