Natural Fiber Rope – which statement is true?

Natural Fiber Rope – which statement is true?

• A. It is commonly used in modern fire service
• B. It absorbs water and loses strength when wet
• C. It has no load-carrying ability decline over time
• D. It does not rot

Answer: (B)

Natural fiber rope readily absorbs moisture, and when it gets wet its strength decreases significantly. Water weakens the fibers, increases weight, and promotes microbial growth, which can lead to rot and deterioration of the rope’s load-bearing capacity. That’s why natural fibers aren’t used in modern fire service—synthetic ropes hold up better when wet and age more reliably. The idea that natural fiber rope doesn’t lose strength over time isn’t accurate, since aging, wear, and moisture exposure steadily reduce its performance. It also does rot under damp conditions, so the statement that it does not rot is false. Therefore, the true statement is that natural fiber rope absorbs water and loses strength when wet.

Natural fiber rope readily absorbs moisture, and when it gets wet its strength decreases significantly. Water weakens the fibers, increases weight, and promotes microbial growth, which can lead to rot and deterioration of the rope’s load-bearing capacity. That’s why natural fibers aren’t used in modern fire service—synthetic ropes hold up better when wet and age more reliably. The idea that natural fiber rope doesn’t lose strength over time isn’t accurate, since aging, wear, and moisture exposure steadily reduce its performance. It also does rot under damp conditions, so the statement that it does not rot is false. Therefore, the true statement is that natural fiber rope absorbs water and loses strength when wet.