Final answer:
Avoiding sharp bends in cables prevents excessive tension that can cause cables to sag or break and reduces physical damage to the cable's structure, ensuring longevity and consistent force transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is important to not bend cables at sharp right angles because it can significantly increase the tension in the cable and cause it to sag or even break. Flexible connectors, such as cables, are designed to transmit forces efficiently, and when these connectors are bent at sharp angles, the tension increases disproportionately as the angle decreases. This is due to the relationship between the angle of bending and tension, which can be explained by physical laws. For instance, in a scenario where a cable is bent at a very small angle (approaching zero), the tension in the connector can become very large, potentially leading to failure.
Additionally, sharp bends can also cause physical damage to the cable's internal structure, leading to wear and reduced longevity. This can be especially problematic in systems where consistent force transmission is essential, such as in a hospital traction system or a bicycle brake cable. To avoid these issues, it is best to ensure cables are bent gently and maintained to prevent sharp angles that could compromise their integrity and function.