Often, more than one force can act upon an object at a time, and the forces can push or pull in any direction. What happens to the object when forces act upon it depends on the following two things:

1. The strength of the forces
2. The direction of the forces

When more than one force acts on an object, the forces combine to form a net force. The combination of all the forces acting on an object is the net force.

If two forces of equal strength act on an object in opposite directions, the forces will cancel, resulting in a net force of zero and no movement. Two or more opposite forces are balanced forces if their effects cancel each other and they do not cause a change in an object's motion.

Click on "Check your Answer" to find the image showing balanced forces.

	Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check your Answer Incorrect. This picture does not show balanced forces. In order for a force to be balanced, they must be equal and in the opposite direction. These forces are equal, but are not opposite. The two forces are working together.
	Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check your Answer Incorrect. This picture does not show balanced forces. In order for a force to be balanced, they must be equal and in the opposite direction. These forces are opposite, but they are not equal.
	Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Check your Answer Correct. This picture shows balanced forces. In order for a force to be balanced, they must be equal and in the opposite direction.