Static Electricity: Can Insulators be Earthed?

[lewy.]

Homework Statement

I was just wondering if someone could help explain this problem I've been having. A lot of textbooks I've been studying from are describing how two insulators can become charged, but then don't mention whether an insulator can be earthed - it only mentions "charged conductors" being earthed using a conducting wire. Any help would be appreciated as to whether insulators can be earthed or not - only conductors.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[Jack_O]

An insulator cannot be earthed because it is an insulator - it doesn't conduct electricity by definition.

An insulator can hold a static charge on it's surface but this is not to be confused with being conductive.

 

[lewy.]

http://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/physic...tatic-electricity.html#induction-and-earthing

Okay, but that seems to contradict what I've been taught from here.