45,000+ students trusted us with their dreams. Take the first step today!
One app for all your study abroad needs
One horsepower (HP) is equal to 746 watts. This conversion is a standardised unit of measurement often used to describe the power of engines and motors. It was originally defined by James Watt, the inventor of the steam engine, as a way to compare the power of steam engines to the work done by a horse.
Complete Answer:
Horsepower (HP) is a unit of power commonly used to measure the performance of engines. It indicates how much work can be done in a given amount of time. On the other hand, the watt is the SI (International System of Units) unit of power, named after James Watt, representing the rate at which energy is used or produced.
1 HP = 746 Watts
This means an engine with 1 horsepower can produce 746 joules of energy per second.
Practical Examples
- A motor rated at 2 HP can generate 2 × 746 = 1492 watts.
- A typical car engine with 150 HP would theoretically produce 150 × 746 = 111,900 watts of power.
This makes it easier to understand the efficiency and performance of machines in terms of the work they can accomplish.
Did You Know? – The Origin of Horsepower
James Watt coined the term horsepower in the 18th century. During his time, horses were the primary source of mechanical power. Watt defined horsepower as the amount of work a horse could do in lifting a 550-pound weight by 1 foot in 1 second. This became a practical benchmark for comparing the capabilities of steam engines, which were becoming increasingly popular.
Why Use Horsepower?
Although the watt is the standard unit of power, horsepower remains widely used in certain fields because it offers a more relatable comparison for people, especially in industries like automotive and mechanical engineering.
Common Doubts in Physics
