StrikeEngine

Videos – Parts – Information – Directory – Insurance

Difference between torque and power – Easy Explanation

Engineering Explained did a video explaining what is the difference between torque and power. You can find it here.


Watch the first 30 seconds for the definition of torque & then read below for an explanation of power.

He starts off okay when he states

“Torque is force applied at a distance

But from then on, I think he goes into the weeds when explaining horsepower.

Short explanation of power

Power is the speed at which the torque can be applied.

Example

How much torque can we maintain on a spanner if the spanner is turning at 2000rpm?

On a stationary nut we can maintain say 50lbs/ft. But what torque can we maintain if the nut was turning at 20 rpm? The more torque we can apply to the spanner at higher rpm the higher the power. The same goes for an engine crankshaft. If we can maintain 200lbs/ft of torque at 9,000 RPM we will be making more power than an engine that can only put 100 lbs/ft of torque into the crankshaft at 9000rpm.

Increasing torque at 9000 RPM means we are using more power. The same torque at 2000rpm requires less power, less work, less energy.

When we know the torque number and the RPM, we can calculate/extrapolate the power being applied/used.

Its just that simple.

Torque is the force. Power is the rate at which we can apply that force.


Calculators

StrikeEngine has a number of calculators related to power and torque

Calculate power from torque

Measure engine power without a dyno

Find performance parts on ebay




This page was last modified Jun 8, 2023 @ 2:52 pm

StrikeEngine TV Highlights

Comments:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

seven − 4 =

Get our news in your inbox - Subscribe

* indicates required