Static Electricity: Can Insulators be Earthed?

AI Thread Summary
Insulators cannot be earthed because they do not conduct electricity, which is a fundamental property of insulators. While insulators can hold static charges on their surfaces, this does not equate to the ability to be earthed like conductors. Textbooks primarily discuss earthing in the context of charged conductors, leading to confusion about insulators. The distinction between holding a static charge and conducting electricity is crucial. Understanding this difference clarifies why only conductors can be effectively earthed.
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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.


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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.
 
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