Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello,
My Name is Thomas and I am doing a report on the characteristics of rope in three different areas, Strength, Flexibility, and Abrasion. I have a few questions about certain areas of my project.
Thanks in advance
I really need help.
1. When rope is put under pressure is its maximum working load the point where it breaks?
2. Which ropes would you recommend for being able to hold a weight? Pulling something? Durability?
3. If a rock climber were to go rock climbing, what rope would you suggest they use? Why?
4. What is your classification on rope? Is there different subgroups that you feel that different ropes go under?
5. When I took rope and attached it to a pole and then pulled it back with a forklift, why did the rope shoot back like a slingshot the other direction it was being pulled?
6. Why do ropes have a maximum working load? Is that there breaking point?
7. If you were going to pull a trailer full of heavy materials what rope would you use? why?
8. In your opinion, do you think rope gradually loses its strength after usage? If so why?

Hello Ctyre34,

Many of your questions can be answered more thoroughly and faster by simple web searches than by custom-made answers from me. For example, a search for "rope working load" will turn up several discussions of how it is defined.

I will answer one of your questions: "When I took rope and attached it to a pole and then pulled it back with a forklift, why did the rope shoot back like a slingshot the other direction it was being pulled?"

Rope is elastic just like a rubber band. The magnitude of the stretch may be smaller and the force required to stretch it may be larger, but the effect is the same. The rope stretches elastically until it breaks and then it snaps back.

Good luck, WW