Can insulators store an electrical charge?

The correct understanding regarding insulators is that they can indeed store an electrical charge, which is consistent with the notion that insulating materials can accumulate charge due to their ability to prevent the movement of electrons. When an insulator is subjected to an electric field, it may experience polarization, leading to the temporary separation of charges within the material.

Under certain conditions, this charge separation can result in the insulator storing electrical energy in the form of electric potential. This principle is utilized in various capacitive applications where insulation is critical for storing energy safely. The ability of insulators to store charge contributes to their effectiveness in preventing the unintended flow of electricity and protecting circuits.

While the other options suggest limitations or conditions that might apply to insulators, the overarching principle remains that they can hold a charge under normal circumstances due to their characteristics as non-conductive materials.