Definition 2

formation energy

https://w3id.org/matsci-sam/vocabulary/formation_energy/definitions/2/revisions/1

Definition

The difference in total energy between a compound and its constituent elements in their respective standard states, typically expressed in electronvolts (eV) per atom or per formula unit. A negative formation energy indicates thermodynamic stability relative to the precursors. Because values may be reported using different normalization bases, datasets are not directly comparable unless the energy basis is explicitly stated.

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Example 1FeaturedLegacy example
To ensure consistency across high-throughput datasets, researchers must verify whether predicted cathode formation energies are reported in eV/atom or eV/formula unit before comparing phase stability.
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Compared with Definition 1, revision 1, the source of this proposal.

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inserted textdeleted text

The ~~Removed: energy released or required wh~~Added: difference in total energy between a compound ~~Removed: forms from~~Added: and its constituent elements~~Removed: , used to judge whether a predicted structure is thermodynamically favorable~~Added: in their respective standard states, typically expressed in electronvolts (eV) per atom or per formula unit. A negative formation energy indicates thermodynamic stability relative to the precursors. Because values may be reported using different normalization bases, datasets are not directly comparable unless the energy basis is explicitly stated.

Added: +384 characters
Removed: −116 characters
Length: 160428(+268)
Definition edit magnitude: 0.811

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Revision 1CurrentAI-assisted revisiongemma4:26bscore 0
Accepted AI refinement round 2
Christopher RauchJul 26, 2026

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