* Forces are vectors: Forces have both magnitude and direction. Weight is a force acting downwards due to gravity.

* Net force: On a level surface, for an object to remain stationary or move at a constant velocity, the net force acting on it must be zero. This means the sum of all forces acting on the object must be zero.

* Applied forces can be in any direction: An applied force could be pushing, pulling, or even acting at an angle. While weight acts downwards, an applied force could act horizontally, vertically, or at any angle.

Here's a breakdown:

* If an object is at rest: The applied force must be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the weight. This is because the upward applied force cancels out the downward force of gravity.

* If an object is moving at a constant velocity: The applied force could be smaller than the weight, as long as there's another force (like friction) acting in the opposite direction to balance the net force to zero.

In conclusion:

While the applied force can be equal to the weight on a level surface, it doesn't have to be. The important factor is that the net force acting on the object must be zero for it to be at rest or moving at a constant velocity.