Final answer:
The average force per meter between wires in an AC appliance cord with a 5.00-A current is determined by the RMS value. The maximum force occurs at the peak current, the forces between the hot and neutral wires are attractive, and standard appliance cords typically do not require special design features to compensate for these forces.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Forces in an AC Appliance Cord
To answer the student's question regarding an AC appliance cord that has hot and neutral wires separated by 3.00 mm and carries a 5.00-A current, we must consider the magnetic forces that result from the electric current flowing through the wires. According to Ampère's law and the concept of magnetic fields around a current-carrying conductor, the average force per meter between the wires can be calculated using the formula for the force between two parallel current-carrying wires. For AC currents, the force is described in terms of the RMS (root mean square) value of the current. Since the question provides the RMS current as 5.00 A, the average force per meter is the force due to this RMS current.
In regard to the maximum force per meter, it will occur when the current in both wires peaks simultaneously. This peak value is √2 times larger than the RMS value. As for whether the forces are attractive or repulsive, when currents flow in opposite directions (as they do in the hot and neutral wires), the forces are attractive. Lastly, whether appliance cords need special design features to compensate for these forces depends on the magnitude of the force. Usually, the forces are small; therefore, standard appliance cord design is sufficient, but this may be considered in the design of high-current industrial connectors.