When the angle of the snatch block decreases, the tension on the block _____.

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Multiple Choice

When the angle of the snatch block decreases, the tension on the block _____.

When a snatch block is used to lift or move a load, two rope segments on either side share the load. The vertical support comes from the components of both rope tensions. As the angle between those two rope segments becomes smaller, each segment must carry more of the load to produce the same vertical lift. This means the tension in the rope increases as the angle decreases. Practically, this is why keeping a larger angle between the rope legs is important: smaller angles drastically raise the tension in the rope and on the block, risking rope or anchor failure.

When a snatch block is used to lift or move a load, two rope segments on either side share the load. The vertical support comes from the components of both rope tensions. As the angle between those two rope segments becomes smaller, each segment must carry more of the load to produce the same vertical lift. This means the tension in the rope increases as the angle decreases. Practically, this is why keeping a larger angle between the rope legs is important: smaller angles drastically raise the tension in the rope and on the block, risking rope or anchor failure.

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