https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S06142
The reversible work of formation of unit area of new surface by cleavage. It has previously been called specific @[email protected], surface energy, surface tension or surface @[email protected] The symbol recommended is \(\gamma _{\pi }\) in preference to \(\sigma \) because of the confusion with @[email protected] The superficial work \(\gamma _{\pi }\) is a scalar quantity and consequently is @[email protected]