What is the result of combined forces known as?

The result of combined forces is known as net force. When multiple forces act on an object, they can either add together or cancel each other out, depending on their directions and magnitudes. The net force is the vector sum of all the forces acting on the object. It determines how the object will move according to Newton's second law of motion, which states that the net force acting on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration (F = ma).

For instance, if two people are pushing a car in the same direction, the forces they exert combine to create a greater net force pushing the car forward. Conversely, if one person pushes the car forward while another pushes it backward with equal force, the net force would be zero, and the car would remain stationary. Thus, net force plays a crucial role in understanding the dynamics of motion and how objects interact with each other through various forces.