What are the separate forces that can be combined called?

The term "component forces" refers to the individual forces that make up a resultant force when they are combined. In the context of physics and engineering, when a single force can be broken down into two or more vectors acting in different directions, those vectors are known as component forces. This concept is essential in machine design since understanding how these forces interact allows engineers to analyze structures and mechanical systems accurately.

For instance, in a scenario where a force is applied at an angle, that force can be resolved into horizontal and vertical components, which are the component forces. This breakdown is crucial for simplifying calculations related to equilibrium, motion, and overall mechanical performance.

In contrast, concurrent forces are those that meet at a single point, non-concurrent forces do not meet at a single point, and a couple consists of two equal and opposite forces whose effect is to create rotation rather than translation. While these concepts are important in understanding the behavior of forces, they are not the correct terminology used to describe the separate forces that can be combined into a resultant force, which is the focus of this question.