Final answer:
The tension in the chain when a 150N block is at the highest point in a vertical circle with a constant centripetal force of 240N is 390N, while at the midway height, the tension is 240N.
Step-by-step explanation:
A 150N block attached to a chain is rotated in a vertical circle at a constant speed. Given that the centripetal force required to keep the block rotating is 240N, we can determine the tension in the chain when the block is at various positions.
Tension at the Highest Point
At the highest point in the vertical circle, the tension in the chain has to overcome both the force due to gravity and the centripetal force needed to keep the block moving in a circular path. Therefore, the tension (T) is the sum of the gravitational force (weight of the block, W) and the centripetal force (Fc), which is:
T = W + Fc = 150N + 240N = 390N
Tension at the Midway Height
At the midway point, the only force acting to create tension in the chain is the centripetal force, as the component of gravitational force acting in the direction of the tension is zero. Therefore, the tension at midway height is equal to the centripetal force:
T = Fc = 240N