Let $\sigma: V \rightarrow U \subset \mathbf{R}^{3}$ denote a parametrized smooth embedded surface, where $V$ is an open ball in $\mathbf{R}^{2}$ with coordinates $(u, v)$. Explain briefly the geometric meaning of the second fundamental form

$$L d u^{2}+2 M d u d v+N d v^{2},$$

where $L=\sigma_{u u} \cdot \mathbf{N}, M=\sigma_{u v} \cdot \mathbf{N}, N=\sigma_{v v} \cdot \mathbf{N}$, with $\mathbf{N}$ denoting the unit normal vector to the surface $U$.

Prove that if the second fundamental form is identically zero, then $\mathbf{N}_{u}=\mathbf{0}=\mathbf{N}_{v}$ as vector-valued functions on $V$, and hence that $\mathbf{N}$ is a constant vector. Deduce that $U$ is then contained in a plane given by $\mathbf{x} \cdot \mathbf{N}=$ constant.