Charging of Insulators

Charging of Insulators

Since charge cannot flow through insulators, neither conduction nor induction can be used to charge, insulators, so in order to charge an insulator friction is used. Whenever an insulator is rubbed against a body exchange of electrons takes place between the two. This results in appearance of equal and opposite charges on the insulator and the other body. Thus the insulator is charged.

For example rubbing of plastic with fur, silk with glass causes charging of these things.