The closer the angle of a sling is to ______, the _______ the stress put on it.

The correct answer is that the closer the angle of a sling is to horizontal, the greater the stress put on it. This concept is rooted in physics and the analysis of forces acting on slings during lifting operations.

When a sling is positioned more horizontally, the load's weight creates more vertical force acting on the sling, contributing to increased tension. The horizontal angle means that the sling is not only supporting the weight of the load but also needs to accommodate the increased horizontal component of the force. This results in a greater stress being exerted on the sling material due to the combination of vertical and horizontal forces.

In practical terms, operators often seek to maintain the sling at a more vertical angle to minimize the stress placed on it, thereby reducing the risk of failure and enhancing safety. Understanding this relationship is critical for load handling and ensuring the integrity of the lifting apparatus.