If a rope supports a lantern that weighs 50N, what is the tension in the rope?

When considering the forces acting on a lantern that weighs 50 N and is supported by a rope, the key point is to analyze the equilibrium of the system. If the lantern is not accelerating (meaning it is either at rest or moving at constant velocity), the forces acting on it must balance out.

In a scenario where the lantern is hanging stationary, the tension in the rope must precisely counterbalance the weight of the lantern. This means that the tension in the rope will be equal to the downward force of the lantern's weight. Therefore, if the weight of the lantern is 50 N, the tension in the rope must also equal 50 N to maintain equilibrium.

If the tension was less than 50 N, the lantern would accelerate downwards, indicating that it is not in equilibrium. Alternatively, if the tension was greater than 50 N, it would suggest a net upward force, causing the lantern to accelerate upwards, which again contradicts the condition of equilibrium.

Thus, for the lantern to remain in balance and not move, the tension in the rope must indeed be equal to 50 N.