3.II.23H

Differential Geometry | Part II, 2008

Let SR3S \subset \mathbb{R}^{3} be a surface.

(a) Define the Gauss Map, principal curvatures kik_{i}, Gaussian curvature KK and mean curvature HH. State the Theorema Egregium.

(b) Define what is meant for SS to be minimal. Prove that if SS is minimal, then K0K \leqslant 0. Give an example of a minimal surface whose Gaussian curvature is not identically 0 , justifying your answer.

(c) Does there exist a compact minimal surface SR3S \subset \mathbb{R}^{3} ? Justify your answer.

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