Watt Converter
Convert Watt to Pferdestarke Ps and more • 80 conversions
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Unit Explanations
WattW
Source UnitThe watt (symbol: W) is the SI unit of power, defined as the rate of energy transfer equivalent to one joule per second. It measures the amount of energy conversion or transfer that occurs per unit time. In practical terms, it quantifies the rate at which work is done or energy is consumed. The watt is a derived unit in the International System of Units (SI), and it is used extensively in various fields such as electricity, mechanics, and thermodynamics to quantify power output or consumption.
Current Use
The watt is widely used across the globe to measure electrical power, mechanical power, and heat transfer. It serves as a fundamental unit in the fields of electrical engineering, physics, and many applied sciences. It is crucial for calculating energy consumption in households, industries, and for determining the power output of engines and machinery.
Fun Fact
One watt is equivalent to 1/746th of a horsepower.
Pferdestärkeps
Target UnitThe Pferdestärke (ps), which translates to 'horse strength' in English, is a non-SI unit of power that is predominantly used in German-speaking countries. It is defined as the power necessary to raise 75 kilograms at a speed of 1 meter per second. The unit is often used in measuring engine output and is historically linked to the power exerted by a horse. In precise terms, one Pferdestärke is equivalent to approximately 0.986 horsepower (hp) or 735.5 watts (W). This unit reflects the historical importance of horses in transportation and labor, especially in the 19th century when steam engines began to replace them.
Current Use
Today, the Pferdestärke is primarily used in the automotive industry, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where it indicates the power of internal combustion engines. While the use of SI units like watts is encouraged, many consumers still prefer the Pferdestärke due to its historical significance and familiarity. In many contexts, car manufacturers will list engine power in both Pferdestärke and kilowatts, allowing consumers to compare with other vehicles.
Fun Fact
The Pferdestärke was developed as a marketing tool to help sell steam engines by illustrating their power compared to horses.
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📐Conversion Formula
= × 1.00000How to Convert
To convert to , multiply the value by 1.00000. This conversion factor represents the ratio between these two units.
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💡 Pro Tip: For the reverse conversion ( → ), divide by the conversion factor instead of multiplying.
Watt
power • SI Unit
Definition
The watt (symbol: W) is the SI unit of power, defined as the rate of energy transfer equivalent to one joule per second. It measures the amount of energy conversion or transfer that occurs per unit time. In practical terms, it quantifies the rate at which work is done or energy is consumed. The watt is a derived unit in the International System of Units (SI), and it is used extensively in various fields such as electricity, mechanics, and thermodynamics to quantify power output or consumption.
History & Origin
The watt is named after James Watt, a Scottish engineer and inventor whose improvements to the steam engine were fundamental to the changes brought by the Industrial Revolution. The unit was introduced to provide a consistent measure of power, reflecting Watt's contributions to power engineering.
Etymology: Named after James Watt, a pioneer in steam engine development.
Current Use
The watt is widely used across the globe to measure electrical power, mechanical power, and heat transfer. It serves as a fundamental unit in the fields of electrical engineering, physics, and many applied sciences. It is crucial for calculating energy consumption in households, industries, and for determining the power output of engines and machinery.
💡 Fun Facts
- •One watt is equivalent to 1/746th of a horsepower.
- •The watt is the power required to lift a small apple one meter in one second.
- •James Watt's improvements to the steam engine greatly increased its efficiency and power output.
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Pferdestärke
power • Non-SI
Definition
The Pferdestärke (ps), which translates to 'horse strength' in English, is a non-SI unit of power that is predominantly used in German-speaking countries. It is defined as the power necessary to raise 75 kilograms at a speed of 1 meter per second. The unit is often used in measuring engine output and is historically linked to the power exerted by a horse. In precise terms, one Pferdestärke is equivalent to approximately 0.986 horsepower (hp) or 735.5 watts (W). This unit reflects the historical importance of horses in transportation and labor, especially in the 19th century when steam engines began to replace them.
History & Origin
The term 'Pferdestärke' was first coined by the engineer James Watt in the late 18th century to quantify the output of steam engines relative to the strength of horses. Watt conducted experiments to determine the work capacity of horses, establishing a benchmark for power measurement that could be understood by the public. His comparative analysis led to the adoption of the Pferdestärke as a standard unit in various engineering disciplines, particularly in Germany and Austria.
Etymology: The word 'Pferdestärke' literally translates to 'horse strength' in German, combining 'Pferd' (horse) and 'Stärke' (strength or power). This nomenclature underscores the historical reliance on horses as a primary source of mechanical power before the advent of modern engines.
Current Use
Today, the Pferdestärke is primarily used in the automotive industry, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where it indicates the power of internal combustion engines. While the use of SI units like watts is encouraged, many consumers still prefer the Pferdestärke due to its historical significance and familiarity. In many contexts, car manufacturers will list engine power in both Pferdestärke and kilowatts, allowing consumers to compare with other vehicles.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The Pferdestärke was developed as a marketing tool to help sell steam engines by illustrating their power compared to horses.
- •In some countries, the Pferdestärke is still preferred in automotive discussions, despite the global standardization towards SI units.
- •The term 'horsepower' was also inspired by the same experiments conducted by James Watt, leading to different definitions across regions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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To convert to , multiply your value by 1. For example, 10 equals 10 .
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