1 horsepower = approximately _____ watts.

746

The correct answer is option 1. 746.

Horsepower (hp) and watt (W) are units of power, with horsepower being a unit commonly used in the context of engines and mechanical power, while the watt is the standard unit of power in the International System of Units (SI). The relationship between these two units can be explained as follows:

1 horsepower is defined as the amount of power required to lift 550 pounds (250 kg) by one foot (0.3048 meters) in one second. This definition was established by James Watt, the Scottish engineer who played a crucial role in the development of the steam engine.

On the other hand, 1 watt is defined as the power expended when one ampere of current flows through a resistance of one ohm, resulting in one volt of potential difference across the resistor. This definition is based on the fundamental units of electrical current, voltage, and resistance.

To convert between horsepower and watts, we use the conversion factor derived from the definitions of these units. Since 1 horsepower is defined as 550 foot-pounds per second, and 1 foot-pound per second is equivalent to 0.7457 watts, we have:

\[1 \text{ horsepower} = 550 \text{ foot-pounds per second} = 550 \times 0.7457 \text{ watts} \approx 746 \text{ watts}\]

Therefore, 1 horsepower is approximately equal to 746 watts. This conversion factor is widely used in engineering and is important for comparing the power output of different engines and machinery, as well as for understanding the energy requirements of various devices.