You are lifting a one-ton weight with a swinging boom. When comparing the stresses on the rig with the boom at 20° to the horizontal to the stresses when the boom is at 60° to the horizontal, which statement is true?

Correct Answer: Option C — The stress on the heel block is less at 60°.

Lowering the boom angle increases compressive thrust and topping lift loads due to mechanical disadvantage. Conversely, raising the boom to 60° decreases the load vector acting on the heel block, reducing overall heel block stress compared to a shallower 20° angle.