Step 1: Identify forces acting on the block.
The block of mass \(m = 8 \, \text{kg}\) experiences gravity \(mg\) downward, tension \(T\) along the rope, and a horizontal applied force \(F = 40 \, \text{N}\).
Step 2: Resolve tension into components.
Let the rope make an angle \(\theta\) with the vertical. Then the tension \(T\) has:
- Vertical component: \(T \cos \theta = mg\) (balances weight)
- Horizontal component: \(T \sin \theta = F\) (balances applied horizontal force)
Step 3: Express angle using tangent.
\[
\tan \theta = \frac{\text{horizontal component}}{\text{vertical component}} = \frac{F}{mg} = \frac{40}{8 \times 10} = \frac{40}{80} = \frac{1}{2}
\]
Step 4: Solve for \(\theta\).
\[
\theta = \tan^{-1} \frac{1}{2}
\]
Step 5: Verification.
Check: vertical component \(T \cos \theta = mg = 80 \, \text{N}\), horizontal \(T \sin \theta = F = 40 \, \text{N}\). Ratio \(\tan \theta = 40/80 = 1/2\), consistent.
Step 6: Final conclusion.
Hence, the angle the rope makes with the vertical is:
\[
\boxed{\tan^{-1} \frac{1}{2}}
\]