Surface energy

Surface energy is a fundamental concept in materials science and physics that refers to the excess energy at the surface of a material compared to its bulk. It arises due to the disruption of intermolecular bonds at the surface of a solid or liquid, as the molecules at the surface are not surrounded by similar molecules on all sides. This results in a higher energy state for surface molecules. In practical terms, surface energy affects various properties, such as wetting, adhesion, and adsorption.