3.II.23H

Differential Geometry | Part II, 2008

Let S⊂R3S \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 K⩽0K \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 S⊂R3S \subset \mathbb{R}^{3} ? Justify your answer.

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