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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.

A minimal surface has vanishing mean curvature vector. For a smooth surface in three-dimensional Euclidean space, this means $H=0$, equivalently $k_1+k_2=0$. Thus Gaussian curvature is $K=-k_1^2\le 0$, but neither principal curvature needs to vanish. A plane and a catenoid both satisfy the condition, with very different Gaussian curvatures.

By the first variation of area formula, a minimal surface is a stationary point of surface area for every smooth variation that fixes its boundary, or has compact support in its interior. The word “minimal” specifies this differential equation; it does not guarantee a global minimum of surface area, or even a local minimum. A stable minimal surface imposes a further condition on the second variation.

For an ideal soap film with equal constant surface tension $\gamma$ on both faces, the effective tension is $\tau =2\gamma$. Choose a unit normal $N$ from the minus side to the plus side, and $\Delta p=p_{-}-p_{+}$. Translating the Young–Laplace equation to $S=-dN$ givesA single interface uses $\tau =\gamma$. An outward-oriented spherical soap bubble has $H=-1/R$, giving $\Delta p=4\gamma /R$. The positive-convex curvature sum in the Young–Laplace equation article is $-2H$. ^[ref]

An open film with the same resting gas on both sides has zero pressure jump. Neglecting film weight, soap film pressure balance gives $H=0$: a minimal surface. A pressurized bubble instead has nonzero mean curvature. These statements assume equilibrium, constant surface tension, and negligible normal viscous stress. Surfactant gradients or motion require the fuller normal stress balance. ^[ref]

The variational outline is short. With fixed boundary, a normal displacement $fN$ gives $\delta A=-2{\int }_{M}HfdA$ by the first variation of area formula. For a closed interface oriented outward, $\delta V={\int }_{M}fdA$, so stationarity of $\tau A-\Delta pV$ gives $-2\tau H-\Delta p=0$. This is a first variation calculation; testing for a stable minimal surface needs the second variation, and deciding a global minimum needs a comparison of competitors.