What is a significant disadvantage of using synthetic ropes compared to steel ropes?

The choice highlighting lower breaking strength as a significant disadvantage of synthetic ropes compared to steel ropes is correct. Synthetic ropes often have lower breaking strength in terms of tensile strength when compared to steel cables of the same diameter. This means that while synthetic ropes can be lightweight and resistant to certain environmental factors, they do not always provide the same load-bearing capacity that steel ropes do, which is critical in applications like rigging and hoisting where safety and reliability are paramount.

In various applications, it’s crucial to consider the specific strengths of the materials being used. Steel ropes tend to be favored for heavy lifting due to their superior tensile strength, which allows them to handle heavier loads without breaking, making them ideal for rigorous tasks compared to the relative strength of synthetic options.

It’s also important to note that while synthetic ropes may have certain advantages, like being lighter in weight or having reduced susceptibility to environmental factors (like rust), these benefits may come at the expense of overall strength and performance under heavy loads, thereby making their lower breaking strength a critical factor.