What do we call forces that are acting within the same plane?

Forces that act within the same plane are referred to as co-planar forces. This term specifically describes forces that reside in a two-dimensional space, allowing them to be analyzed together in terms of their resultant effects, such as net force and direction.

Co-planar forces are fundamental in engineering and physics, as their interactions can be represented graphically on a single plane, simplifying calculations related to equilibrium, motion, and structural integrity. This concept is crucial when resolving forces into components or when applying the principles of static equilibrium, where the sum of forces in both the horizontal and vertical directions must equal zero.

Understanding co-planar forces helps in various applications, such as in structural engineering when evaluating the forces acting on beams or other components, thereby ensuring the safety and usability of designs.