For a single crystal of some hypothetical metal that has the

For a single crystal of some hypothetical metal that has the simple cubic crystal structure (Figure 3.3), would you expect the surface energy for a (100) plane to be greater, equal to, or less than a (110) plane. Why?

Solution

Surface energy of 100 will be less than 110 , because number of bonds cut by the 100 plane is one bond per atom and surface area per atom is a^2 while for 110 plane number of bond cut by the plane two bond per atom and surface area is a^2/sqrt2.