Which term describes the overall effect of all forces acting on an object?

• A. Balanced forces
• B. Unbalanced forces
• C. Net force
• D. Newton

Answer: (C)

The overall effect of all forces acting on an object is described by the net force. Net force is the vector sum of all the individual forces acting on the object, and it tells you how the object's motion will change. A nonzero net force causes the object to accelerate in the direction of that net force (Newton’s second law: a = Fnet / m). If the forces balance so they cancel out, the net force is zero, and the object either stays at rest or keeps moving at a constant velocity.

Balanced forces describe that zero net force situation. Unbalanced forces refer to a nonzero net force that leads to acceleration. A Newton is a unit of force, not the overall effect of all forces.