What is the equivalent of horsepower (HP) in terms of foot-pounds per second?

Prepare for the PLTW Computer Integrated Manufacturing Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Utilize flashcards, multiple choice questions, and step-by-step explanations to excel in your test!

Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, and it is defined as the amount of work done over time. Specifically, one horsepower is equivalent to 550 foot-pounds per second. This means that if a machine can do 550 foot-pounds of work in one second, it is said to have a power output of one horsepower.

This definition is rooted in historical contexts where James Watt established the term while comparing the power of steam engines to the work done by horses. The original calculation used 550 foot-pounds to represent the amount of work that an average horse could do in a given time period.

The other options represent different power levels but do not align with the accepted definition of horsepower. Therefore, recognizing that 550 foot-pounds per second accurately translates to one horsepower is essential for understanding power measurements in mechanical and engineering applications.

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