Final answer:
Electric field lines being closer together signifies a stronger electric field in that region, indicating more force on a charge present there.
Step-by-step explanation:
When electric field lines get closer together near a charge, this indicates that the strength of the electric field is greater in that region. The density of these lines, or their closeness, signifies a stronger field, meaning that more force is applied to a charge situated in this region. This concept, where closeness represents strength, applies to various fields such as electrostatic, gravitational, magnetic, and others.
For instance, when dealing with two like charges, the field lines are farther apart because the fields from each charge exert opposing forces, resulting in a weaker electric field between them. Conversely, for two opposite (unlike) charges, the electric field lines are closer because the fields from each charge complement each other, leading to a stronger electric field between them.
An example that illustrates this concept is shown with two point charges of different signs: the closer you get to either charge, the stronger the electrostatic force, as demonstrated by denser field lines.