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← HistoryWhich outcome would occur if a Roman torsion-powered ballista drum's sinew springs experienced moisture absorption?
A)Reduced projectile range due to tension loss✓
B)Catastrophic frame fracture during firing
C)Increased firing rate from lowered resistance
D)Improved accuracy from stabilized torsion
💡 Explanation
When sinew springs absorb moisture, the elastic modulus decreases due to weakening of the protein fibers, causing reduced torsion and projectile velocity. Therefore, reduced range results, rather than frame fracture, increased rate, or improved accuracy, which depend on different failure modes involving excessive force or rigidity.
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