Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Safety Assessment Practice Test

As the angle of a sling's legs decreases, what happens to the force created on the sling?

1. Increase

2. Decrease

3. Remain the same

4. Cancel out

The correct answer is: Increase

When the angle of a sling's legs decreases, the geometry of the system causes an increase in the force exerted on the sling. This phenomenon relates to the principles of load distribution in lifting scenarios. As the angle decreases, the vertical component of the force increases, requiring higher tension in the sling to support the same weight. In practical terms, if the legs of the sling are more vertical, they must handle a greater amount of force, leading to increased tension. If the angle is more acute, then the horizontal component of the tension increases significantly, which in turn requires more force to maintain equilibrium. This relationship emphasizes the importance of correct angle management when using slings in lifting operations to ensure safety and mechanical stability.