Final answer:
The statement on voltage drop in circuits is false; electrical codes typically allow a 3% drop for branch circuits and an additional 2% for feeders, totaling a 5% voltage drop for the overall circuit.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the maximum voltage drop should not exceed 5% if both branch circuits and feeders are involved in a circuit is false. Electrical codes usually allow a maximum voltage drop of 3% for branch circuits and an additional 2% for feeders, totaling a 5% voltage drop for the entire circuit, not for each. If the voltage drop in the branch circuit is large, the voltage to the appliance and consequently its power output can be significantly decreased.
For example, the voltage drop in an extension cord can be calculated using Ohm's law, which states that voltage drop (V) equals current (I) times resistance (R). Part (a) asks to find the voltage drop for a cord with 0.0600 Ω resistance and 5.00 A current. The voltage drop is 0.0600 Ω × 5.00 A = 0.300 V. In part (b), for a cord with 0.300 Ω resistance, the voltage drop is 0.300 Ω × 5.00 A = 1.50 V. A higher resistance means a higher voltage drop, which decreases the voltage and power available to the appliance, affecting its performance.