When we drive our car at 110 feet per second, we measure an aerodynamic force (called drag) of 61 pounds-force that opposes the motion of the car. How much horsepower is required to overcome this drag?
To determine the horsepower required to overcome the drag, we need to use the formula:
Horsepower = (Force × Velocity) / 550
In this case, the force is given as 61 pounds-force, and the velocity is given as 110 feet per second. We can plug these values into the formula to find the required horsepower:
Horsepower = (61 pounds-force × 110 feet per second) / 550
Let's calculate it:
Horsepower = (61 × 110) / 550
Horsepower = 6,710 / 550
Horsepower ≈ 12.2
Therefore, approximately 12.2 horsepower is required to overcome the drag when driving the car at 110 feet per second.