One kilowatt is approximately equal to:

• A. 1.34 hp
• B. 1.56 hp
• C. 2.50 hp
• D. 1.83 hp

To determine how many horsepower (hp) are equivalent to one kilowatt (kW), we can use a conversion factor. The relationship between kilowatts and horsepower varies slightly depending on the system of measurement, but in the most commonly used system, one kilowatt is approximately equal to 1.341 horsepower. This means that the closest answer to your question is A. 1.34 hp.

Understanding the Conversion

Horsepower is a unit of power that was originally developed to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses. There are different definitions of horsepower, but the most relevant one for our discussion is the mechanical horsepower, which is commonly used in the United States.

Conversion Factors

Here’s how the conversion works:

• 1 kilowatt (kW) = 1.341 horsepower (hp) (mechanical)
• 1 horsepower (hp) = 0.7457 kilowatts (kW)

Using these relationships, we can see that if you have a power output measured in kilowatts, you can convert it to horsepower by multiplying by approximately 1.341. Conversely, if you have a power output in horsepower, you can convert it to kilowatts by multiplying by 0.7457.

Practical Example

Let’s say you have a motor that operates at 2 kW. To find out how many horsepower that is, you would perform the following calculation:

2 kW × 1.341 hp/kW = 2.682 hp

This means that a 2 kW motor is roughly equivalent to 2.68 horsepower. This conversion is particularly useful in various fields, such as automotive engineering, where understanding the power output of engines is crucial.

Why It Matters

Understanding the relationship between kilowatts and horsepower is important in many applications, from selecting the right motor for industrial machinery to comparing the performance of vehicles. It helps engineers and consumers make informed decisions based on power requirements and efficiency.

In summary, when you see the question about the equivalence of one kilowatt in horsepower, remember that the correct answer is A. 1.34 hp, which reflects the standard conversion used in most contexts. This knowledge not only aids in academic settings but also enhances practical understanding in real-world applications.