cohesive energy

In physics, cohesive energy refers to the energy gained when atoms arrange themselves into a crystalline state compared to their state as a gas. This energy is a measure of the strength of the bonds holding a solid together.12

Cohesive energy is particularly relevant in understanding the properties of solids. For instance, insulators and semiconductors have large cohesive energies, indicating strong bonds and good mechanical strength. In contrast, simple metals with sp-electron bonds have very small cohesive energies, making them mechanically weak. Transition metals, with their d-shell electrons forming stronger covalent bonds, exhibit much larger cohesive energies and possess exceptional mechanical strength. This concept is distinct from nuclear binding energy, which relates to the energy holding atomic nuclei together.134