The length of each edge of a cube is $1 \mathrm{~cm}$. The surface area of the cube, in $\mathrm{cm}^{2}$, is
(A) 24
(B) 1
(C) 4
(D) 12
(E) 6
Each face of a cube is a square. The dimensions of each face of the cube are $1 \mathrm{~cm}$ by $1 \mathrm{~cm}$. Thus, the area of each face of the cube is $1 \times 1=1 \mathrm{~cm}^{2}$.

Since a cube has 6 identical faces, the surface area of the cube is $6 \times 1=6 \mathrm{~cm}^{2}$.

ANswer: (E)