Practice question

**Dipole moment** governs torque and energy in external field. Axial field stronger than equatorial, torque maximum at θ = 90°, zero when aligned. Work done rotating dipole relates to ΔU = pE(1 - cosθ), explaining stable equilibrium at θ = 0°. E = (k q/r²) . 8 × 10³ = 9 × 10⁹ × (q/(0.42)²) . q = (8 × 10³ × 0.1764/9 × 10⁹) = 1.57 × 10⁻⁷ C . Substituting values gives 1.57 × 10⁻⁷ C, which matches expected magnitude for this electrostatic configuration, confirming Coulomb's and Gauss's principles and charge quantization consistency.