Question

A motor produces 2,500 watts of power. Can it be used to drive a fan that requires 2 ½ horsepower? (See Information Sheet.)

Answer 1

To convert watts to horsepower you need to know that 1 horsepower is equal to 746 watts, then:

$2500\text{ watts}\times\frac{1\text{ HP}}{746\text{ watts}}=3.35\text{ HP}$

You also know that the fan requires 2 1/2 HP, which is equal to:

$2\frac{1}{2}=\frac{4}{2}+\frac{1}{2}=\frac{5}{2}=2.5\text{ HP}$

Thus, the motor produces more power than the required to drive the fan. The answer is Yes, it can be used to drive the fan