Effect of Neutral Conductor on a Point Charge?

[isabellef]

Why should the force on a point charge always be toward a neutral conductor? I know this is a simple concept, but I'm having trouble grasping it.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[Curl]

Because a neutral conductor has both positive or negative charges which can move. If you have a + point charge, the - charges in the conductor move towards the + point charge and there is a net force.

 

[isabellef]

Oh, ok. I never thought of a neutral conductor in that way, but that makes a lot of sense! Thank you!