Question

Why do two equipotential surfaces never intersect each other?

Answer 1

Equipotential surface:

1. The surface which is the locus of all points which are at the same potential is called as the equipotential surface.

Why do two equipotential surfaces never intersect each other?

1. Two potential surfaces cannot intersect.
2. If they cross paths, there will be two potential values at the intersection, which is not possible.
3. Due to the various electric potentials of the two separate equipotential surfaces, they cannot intersect.
4. We now understand that on an equipotential surface, there is no potential difference between any two locations.
5. Additionally, since the electric field is perpendicular to the equipotential surface, their intersection indicates that the electric field is pointing in two opposite directions, which is not feasible.

Hence, from the above reasons, the two equipotential surfaces never intersect each other.