can a force directed east ever balance a force directed north? Why or why not?

Question

can a force directed east ever balance a force directed north?  Why or why not?

anonymous · Answer

no.... it cannot balance the force, because the force are in the different directions, to balance the force must be in opposite(force to be directed in west)direction.

anonymous · Answer

yes through torque. Imagine doing this to a wheel.

anonymous · Answer

this is called coupling

a_clan · Answer

If they are applied at one point, NO.  
Because the angle between them is 90 degrees. So, a component on resolving either of the forces cannot counter-balance the other force.

anonymous · Answer

Wow cool. Thank you for your contribution.  I just started learning about physics yesterday, so forgive me if my question was too easy.  I also learned something new about torque through mungalin and wikipedia.  I'll go study now. Thank you again everybody. 
-ThomasJeong