With equal load distribution between two slings, widening the angle from vertical results in the force in each sling doing what?

With equal load distribution between two slings, widening the angle from vertical results in the force in each sling doing what?

• A. Decreases
• B. Increases
• C. Stays the same
• D. Varies with angle

Answer: (B)

When two slings share the same load, the weight is supported by the vertical components of both sling tensions. If each sling has tension T and makes an angle θ with the vertical, then the vertical components add up to the weight: 2T cos θ = W. Solving for T gives T = W / (2 cos θ). As the angle from vertical increases, cos θ decreases, so T increases. For example, at θ = 0°, T = W/2; as θ grows, T becomes larger and can become very large as θ approaches 90°. The horizontal components cancel each other due to symmetry, so the load isn’t pulled sideways, but the tension in each sling rises with angle.

When two slings share the same load, the weight is supported by the vertical components of both sling tensions. If each sling has tension T and makes an angle θ with the vertical, then the vertical components add up to the weight: 2T cos θ = W. Solving for T gives T = W / (2 cos θ). As the angle from vertical increases, cos θ decreases, so T increases. For example, at θ = 0°, T = W/2; as θ grows, T becomes larger and can become very large as θ approaches 90°. The horizontal components cancel each other due to symmetry, so the load isn’t pulled sideways, but the tension in each sling rises with angle.