What effect do chemicals and sunlight have on rope?

Chemicals and sunlight have a significant impact on ropes, particularly those made from synthetic fibers. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight can lead to the degradation of the rope material. This degradation typically results in changes to the rope's color, often causing it to fade, and can also weaken the structural integrity of the fibers over time.

The fading and color change are indicators of this degradation process, which can compromise the rope's effectiveness in rescue operations or other demanding applications. Chemicals, depending on their type and concentration, can further contribute to the deterioration of the rope, as they may react with the fibers, leading to brittleness or additional color changes.

Understanding this aspect is crucial for anyone involved in rope rescue operations since using compromised equipment can pose significant risks to safety and effectiveness. Therefore, option C accurately captures the detrimental effects that both chemicals and sunlight can have on rope material.