Question

SUPPOSE THERE IS AN INSULATOR(UNCHARGED) PLACED IN A UNIFORM ELACTRIC FIELD. WHAT IS THE ELECTRIC FIELD INSIDE THE INSULATOR. EXPLAIN.?HOW DOES SHIFTING OF ELECTRONS TAKES PLACE EVEN IN AN INSULATOR? WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF THAT INSULATOR WAS CHARGED?EXPLAIN

Answer 1

In an insulators, the electrons are tightly bound to the atom and are not free to move. under the presence of electric field, the interior of an insulator can have non zero values. the shifting of electrons inside the insulator takes place due to shifting of the dipoles which are present in it due to their covalent bonding. No electricity can pass through the insulator because actual movement of electrons does not take place. if an insulator were charged, charges are located only at particular location and no actual movement of electrons would take place.