Question

Why equipotential surfaces are not equidistant?

Answer 1

The reason for equipotential surfaces are not equidistant

1. The equipotential surfaces are not at an equal distance because the electric field is not constant.
2. The electric field is inversely proportional to the square of the distance of the point from the charge.

In relation to the electric field and electric potential

$E=-\frac{dV}{dr}$

Here,

$$\begin{gathered} E=Electricfield \\ V=Electricpotential \\ r=Dis\tan ceorlength \end{gathered}$$

Now, from the above equation for the constant electric field through all the equipotential surfaces the ratio of change in potential between equipotential surfaces and distance between the surfaces must be constant and for that, it is not necessary that the distance between the surfaces must be equal.

It may be equal or may not be it completely depends on the potential difference between the surfaces.

Hence, the equipotential surfaces are not equidistant.