surface energy

Surface energy is the excess energy at the surface of a material compared to its interior. Atoms or molecules on the surface have fewer neighboring particles, making their bonds less stable and causing the surface to behave differently. This energy influences behaviors like how drops of liquid form, how materials stick together, and how surfaces interact with their environment. In essence, surface energy reflects the tendency of a material's surface to minimize its area, affecting processes like wetting, adhesion, and coating.