Multipole Memes

The top equation? That's just the basic Coulomb's Law for electric force - the stuff they teach freshmen who still think physics is "fun." But the bottom equation? That's the multipole expansion in spherical harmonics that makes theoretical physicists weak in the knees. It's basically the difference between ordering a plain vanilla cone and a 17-layer molecular gastronomy dessert with edible gold. Sure, both are technically desserts, but one of them makes you feel sophisticated while adjusting your bow tie. This is why physicists never get invited to parties twice. They'll spend hours explaining why the second equation is "elegant" while everyone else is just trying to get some chips.