Which knot is formed when two ends of a rope are tied together?

The square knot, also known as a reef knot, is specifically designed to join the two ends of a rope together securely. It is formed by tying two overhand knots in opposite directions, which creates a flat and stable joint. This knot is particularly useful in various rigging and sailing applications where it’s important to connect two lengths of rope that will not slip apart under load.

Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a popular choice for securing packages or tying items together. Additionally, it can be easily untied even after being subjected to heavy loads, making it both practical and functional in many scenarios.

The other knots listed serve different purposes: the clove hitch is primarily used for securing a rope to a post or beam; the figure eight knot typically acts as a stopper knot to prevent the rope from slipping through a device; and the bowline creates a fixed loop at the end of a rope. Therefore, they do not fulfill the requirement of tying two ends of the rope together like the square knot does.