Step 1: Formula for the surface area of a hemisphere.
The total surface area of a hemisphere is given by:
\[
A = 3 \pi r^2
\]
Step 2: Substitute the radius value into the formula.
We are given \( r = 7 \, \text{cm} \), so substitute this value into the formula:
\[
A = 3 \pi (7)^2 = 3 \pi (49) = 147 \pi
\]
Step 3: Calculate the value.
Approximating \( \pi \approx 3.1416 \), we get:
\[
A \approx 147 \times 3.1416 = 462 \, \text{cm}^2
\]
Thus, the total surface area is \( 462 \, \text{cm}^2 \).