A function continuous across an interface can have different one-sided normal derivatives. For instance, when and when is continuous, satisfies on each open side, and has zero tangential second derivative on the interface. Its lower -derivative is one and its upper -derivative is zero. Thus the normal derivative does not exist there as a two-sided derivative.
More generally, for functions smooth on each side with one-sided first derivative traces, global regularity would force both traces to equal the derivative on the interface. Unequal traces therefore preclude a globally classical solution as well. A condition on the function value alone is not a condition on its normal derivative; a specified transmission law or an appropriate weak formulation is additional information.

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