What Is This Tool?
This converter transforms power measurements from erg per second, a small CGS unit often used in scientific contexts, into mechanical horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s), an imperial unit frequently employed to rate engines and mechanical devices.
How to Use This Tool?
-
Enter the power value in erg/second (erg/s).
-
Select erg/second as the input unit and horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) as the output unit.
-
Click convert to obtain the equivalent power in horsepower.
-
Use the results to compare or translate power units for engineering or scientific purposes.
Key Features
-
Converts power from erg/second (erg/s) to horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s).
-
Provides a simple way to translate scientific CGS measurements into practical imperial units.
-
Ideal for comparing theoretical astrophysical power with engine and machinery ratings.
-
Browser-based and easy-to-use interface for quick conversions.
Examples
-
Convert 1,000,000 erg/s to horsepower: 1,000,000 × 1.341022089e-10 = 1.341022089e-4 horsepower.
-
Convert 10,000,000 erg/s to horsepower: 10,000,000 × 1.341022089e-10 = 0.001341022089 horsepower.
Common Use Cases
-
Expressing luminosities and radiative power of astronomical objects in astrophysics.
-
Translating CGS-based theoretical power to imperial units for engine power ratings.
-
Comparing power of small engines, lawnmowers, and portable generators in horsepower.
-
Sizing pumps, compressors, and motors using imperial power measurements.
Tips & Best Practices
-
Always check the unit systems when converting between CGS and imperial units.
-
Be cautious of the very small values when converting from erg/s to horsepower.
-
Use this tool to help bridge scientific power data with practical engineering units.
-
Review conversion results carefully for accuracy when applying to engineering contexts.
Limitations
-
Erg/second is a very small power unit and not common outside specialized science, leading to tiny converted values.
-
Conversions may involve rounding errors due to the difference in magnitude between CGS and imperial units.
-
Horsepower values are approximate and vary slightly depending on the definition used.
-
Careful precision is needed during conversion for engineering and applied mechanics purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is an erg per second?
-
An erg per second (erg/s) is a CGS unit of power defined as one erg of energy transferred per second, used mainly in scientific and astrophysical contexts.
-
What does horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) measure?
-
Horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) is an imperial unit of power representing the rate of doing work or energy transfer, commonly used to rate engines and mechanical equipment.
-
Why convert from erg/second to horsepower?
-
Users convert from erg/second to horsepower to relate scientific power values in CGS units to practical mechanical power measures used in automotive and industrial applications.
Key Terminology
-
Erg per second (erg/s)
-
A CGS-unit of power equal to one erg transferred per second, used in astrophysics and older scientific literature.
-
Horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s)
-
An imperial unit of power equal to 550 foot-pound-force per second, commonly used to measure engine and mechanical power.
-
CGS system
-
A metric unit system based on centimeter, gram, and second, often used in scientific contexts.
-
Imperial units
-
A system of measurement commonly used in the United States and UK, including units like horsepower.