surface elasticity

Surface elasticity refers to how the outermost layer of a material behaves differently from its interior, especially when it's under stress or strain. Atoms at a surface have fewer neighboring atoms, making their bonds feel different than those inside. This causes the surface to be stiffer or more flexible. Surface elasticity is important in small-scale materials, like tiny wires or films, because surface effects become significant. It influences properties like strength, flexibility, and how materials deform, which is crucial in designing advanced devices and nanotechnology applications.