Final answer:
The maximum allowed free fall distance for a self-retracting lifeline in safety applications is typically 24 inches. For physics-related problems on rope stretch, the conservation of energy and Hooke's law are applied to calculate the stretch of the rope.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question regarding the free fall distance for a self-retracting lifeline pertains to safety equipment used in fall protection systems which is a topic related to occupational health and safety, rather than a physics problem. The maximum free fall distance allowed by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards is typically 24 inches (Option 4).
If we address the physics problems provided, such as the nylon rope stretch during a climber's fall, it's essential to apply the conservation of energy principle. That means the potential energy at the onset of the fall is converted to elastic potential energy when the rope is fully stretched. The force constant of the rope, along with the mass of the climber and the height of the fall, would be vital in calculating the amount of stretch using Hooke's law.