What can uneven belt tension lead to?

Uneven belt tension can cause significant mechanical issues in systems that rely on belts for operation. When the tension on a belt is not uniformly distributed, it can lead to both a reduced lifespan of the belt and increased slip.

A belt with reduced tension in certain areas may experience more wear and stress than in areas with higher tension. This uneven wear typically shortens the belt's overall lifespan since it leads to premature fatigue and failure. Furthermore, belts that are not properly tensioned are more prone to slippage, where the belt slips over the pulleys instead of transmitting power effectively. This slip can cause irregular performance in the machinery, including significant losses in efficiency.

Thus, the accurate consequence of uneven belt tension incorporates both the reduced lifespan of the belt and increased slip, making it clear why the combined answer is the most appropriate response.