What occurs when a load on a V-belt increases?

When a load on a V-belt increases, the correct outcome is that the belt wedges into the groove of the pulley. This phenomenon occurs because the V-shape of the belt is designed to fit snugly into the corresponding groove of the pulley. When additional load is applied, the belt experiences increased tension. This added tension causes the belt to grip tighter and become wedged even more securely into the groove, enhancing the belt's ability to transmit power efficiently and reducing the likelihood of slippage.

In contrast, slipping off completely would imply a failure in the belt's ability to maintain contact with the pulley, which is not typically a result of increased load in a well-designed system. Requiring a new belt may indicate wear or damage but is not a direct consequence of increased load. Similarly, significant elongation of the belt would suggest a problem with the belt's integrity, tension, or design, rather than a direct response to simply increasing the load. Therefore, wedging into the groove under increased load is a normal and intended function of a V-belt system.