What term is used to describe separate forces that can be combined?

The correct term that describes separate forces that can be combined is "component forces." In the context of physics and engineering, component forces are individual forces that, when considered together, can be combined to result in a single equivalent force. This is often analyzed using vector addition, where each component force has both a magnitude and a direction.

For example, if two forces act on an object at different angles, they can be resolved into their horizontal and vertical components. By summing up these components, you can determine the resultant force acting on the object. This concept is crucial in machine design and static equilibrium analysis, as it allows engineers to simplify complex force systems into manageable parts.

In contrast, terms like non-concurrent forces refer to forces that do not act on a common point and may complicate analyses, while a couple refers specifically to two equal and opposite forces whose lines of action do not coincide, leading to rotation without translation. Combined forces is a term that lacks the specificity needed in this context. Therefore, component forces is the term that most accurately fits the description of separate forces that can be combined.