Why does a point charge induce negative charge on a conductor?

[greatscott]

When a point charge of +q is put near a conducting infinite plane, net charge of -q is induced on the plane. Why and how does this occur? I thought that although the charges (free electrons) in the conductor will move (so that the electrons are closer to the point charge), the net charge of the plane will still be zero.

 

[Tide]

There will be net charge on the surface of the conductor but the conductor will remain net neutral. The conduction electrons throughout the conductor redistribute themselves such that there is no electric field within the conductor and field at the surface is normal to the surface.

 

[greatscott]

The book says "the total charge induced on the plane is -q." Maybe "induced charge on the plane" means something different from the net charge of the plane? How is "induced charge" measured?

 

[cepheid]

The book says "the total charge induced on the plane is -q." Maybe "induced charge on the plane" means something different from the net charge of the plane? How is "induced charge" measured?

Tide answered that already:

There will be net charge on the surface of the conductor...

but the conductor will remain net neutral.