What is the primary purpose of whipping in knot tying?

The primary purpose of whipping in knot tying is to prevent the line from unraveling. Whipping refers to the technique of wrapping a small length of line tightly around a section of rope or line to secure the strands together. This is particularly important for preventing fraying or unraveling at the ends of ropes, where the fibers can start to separate over time. By using whipping, the integrity of the knot or the rope is maintained, allowing it to perform effectively during use without coming apart.

The other options focus on aspects that are not the main goal of whipping. While enhancing decorative appearance or making the knot easier to untie may have their own merits in certain contexts, they do not describe the fundamental reason behind the technique of whipping. Increasing the overall length of the line is not relevant to the concept of whipping at all, as it focuses on securing the line rather than extending it.