Understanding the Concepts

* Tension: The force exerted by a string or cable when it is pulled tight.

* Equilibrium: When an object is at rest, the forces acting on it are balanced.

Solution

Since the picture is at rest and supported by two strings, the forces must be balanced. This means the total upward force exerted by the strings must equal the downward force of the picture's weight.

* Total upward force: The combined force of the two strings.

* Downward force: 50N (the weight of the picture)

Because the picture is symmetrical and the strings are vertical, each string will support half the weight of the picture.

* Force on each string: 50N / 2 = 25N

Answer: Each string exerts a force of 25N.