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The concept of an object experiencing no net force is best illustrated by an object in equilibrium. An object in equilibrium is characterized by the condition that all the forces acting on it balance out, resulting in no net force acting on the object. This means that the object will either remain at rest or continue to move at a constant velocity in a straight line, according to Newton's First Law of Motion.

In equilibrium, it’s essential to understand that the forces are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, effectively cancelling each other out. This balance ensures that there is no change in the object's state of motion. Therefore, an object that is at rest or one that is in motion at a constant speed in a straight line can both be considered in equilibrium, provided that the net force acting on them is zero.

While an object in motion may not experience any net force if it continues at a constant speed, the key point remains that equilibrium specifically defines this state. Thus, focusing on equilibrium provides a more precise understanding of the absence of a net force. Objects in free fall, on the other hand, are influenced by gravity and do not meet the definition of an equilibrium state, as the force of gravity is unopposed in that scenario.