If you add together all of the forces exerted on an object and get a non-zero value, this is called a net force.

Here's why:

* Force: A force is a push or pull that can cause a change in motion.

* Net Force: The net force is the overall force acting on an object. It's the vector sum of all the individual forces acting on the object.

* Zero Net Force: If all the forces balance out, the net force is zero. This means the object will remain at rest or continue moving at a constant velocity (Newton's First Law).

* Non-Zero Net Force: If the forces don't balance, the net force is non-zero. This means the object will accelerate (change its velocity) in the direction of the net force (Newton's Second Law).