 Mean curvature vector

For an $n$-dimensional embedded submanifold, let $A$ denote its vector-valued second fundamental form and $e_1,\dots ,e_n$ an orthonormal basis of its tangent space. This branch uses the trace mean curvature vectorAn alternative averaged mean curvature vector is $\mathbf{H}/n$; on a smooth surface in three-dimensional Euclidean space, these are $2HN$ and $HN$, respectively. Reversing $N$ reverses $H$, so their product is independent of the chosen orientation of a surface. With the trace convention, the first variation of area formula has no additional factor $n$. For an outward-oriented sphere of radius $R$, $\mathbf{H}=-2N/R$: it points toward the centre even though the scalar's sign depends on conventions.