What is the breaking strain of a nylon line when divided by a safety factor of 5?

To determine the breaking strain of a nylon line when divided by a safety factor of 5, you first need to understand what the "breaking strain" and "safety factor" signify. The breaking strain is the maximum load that a line can withstand before it breaks. The safety factor is a margin of safety applied to ensure that the line is not operated at its maximum capacity to account for variable conditions and potential wear.

In this case, if the breaking strain of the nylon line is 12000 pounds, you would divide this number by the safety factor of 5 to ascertain the maximum safe working load.

When you perform the calculation:

12000 pounds (breaking strain) ÷ 5 (safety factor) = 2400 pounds

This means that the correct answer, which indicates the maximum safe working load for the nylon line given the safety factor, is indeed 2400 pounds. This ensures that the line is used within a safe limit, reducing the risk of failure during practical applications. This concept is crucial for maintaining safety in nautical operations and understanding how much weight can be safely handled by lines onboard.