40. Measurement of Horsepower

The maximum horsepower developed by a human being over a few seconds time can be measured by timing a volunteer running up the stairs in the lecture hall. If a person of weight W runs up height h in time t, then h.p. = Wh/t X 1/550 ft-lbs/sec. A person in good shape can develop one to two horsepower. It will be entertaining to the students if the professor tries it too.

Should the person be allowed a running start?