The surface energy of a single crystal depends on crystallographic orientation. Does this surface energy increase or decrease with an increase in planar density? Why?

Question

Engineering

Deegan

30 May, 23:20

The surface energy of a single crystal depends on crystallographic orientation. Does this surface energy increase or decrease with an increase in planar density? Why?

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Answers (1)

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Carson Holland · Answer 1

Surface energy decreases.

Explanation:

The surface energy of a single crystal depends on the planar density of the exposed surface plane due to the number of unsatisfied bonds. With an increase in planar density, the number of satisfied atomic bonds in the plane increase, and the number of unsatisfied bonds decreases. As a result, the surface energy decreases.