Final answer:
In the given scenario, by electrostatic principles, the charge on the inner surface is –q to balance the central charge, while the outer surface carries a +q charge to ensure the shell's total charge remains –q.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a hollow conducting spherical shell with a positive point charge q at its center and a total shell charge of –q, electric fields due to induced charges and the central charge will influence the distribution of charges on the shell's surfaces. By the properties of conductors in electrostatic equilibrium, the charge on the inner surface will be –q, which balances the central charge. The outer surface will then have a charge of +q to account for the total charge of the shell being –q. This results in an overall charge distribution where the induced charge on the inner surface is –q and the charge on the outer surface is +q.