How many BTUs per minute is equivalent to 1 horsepower?

The value of 42.45 BTUs per minute is derived from the relationship between horsepower and thermal energy. One horsepower is defined as the ability to do work at a rate of 550 foot-pounds per second. This work output can be converted into thermal energy measurements such as BTUs.

To understand this conversion, note that one BTU represents the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. In the context of horsepower and BTUs, the conversion from horsepower to BTUs per minute is calculated as follows:

1 horsepower = 550 foot-pounds per second When converting this to a minute, we multiply by 60 seconds. Therefore, 550 foot-pounds/second × 60 seconds/minute gives us 33,000 foot-pounds/minute.

Using the conversion factor that 1 BTU = 778.17 foot-pounds, we divide the total foot-pounds by the number of foot-pounds per BTU: 33,000 foot-pounds/minute ÷ 778.17 foot-pounds/BTU ≈ 42.45 BTU/minute.

This understanding illustrates why 42.45 BTU/minute is the correct answer, establishing