Which of the following is an essential characteristic of guy wires?

Guy wires are essential for providing stability and support to structures such as towers and poles. Their primary function is to bear tension. When guy wires are anchored to the ground or a structure at an angle, they counteract forces acting on the vertical structure, ensuring that it remains upright and stable despite wind or other environmental factors.

The design of guy wires specifically for tension allows them to effectively pull against the structure and maintain its position. This is critical in preventing structural failure and maintaining safety standards, especially in windy conditions or during storms.

Other characteristics, such as flexibility, vertical support, and insulation, do not align with the fundamental purpose and functionality of guy wires. While flexibility may be a property of the material used for guy wires, it is not an essential characteristic for their role in providing support. Vertical support is more relevant to the structure being stabilized rather than the guy wires themselves. Insulation is related to electrical safety and not a characteristic needed for the tension aspect in structural support.