Final answer:
A force probe measures the net force acting on an object. Net force is calculated based on an object's mass and its acceleration, in accordance with Newton's second law of motion.
Step-by-step explanation:
A force probe is a device used to measure the net force acting on an object. It is capable of registering both magnitude and direction of the force applied to it, providing a quantitative measurement that can be used in physical calculations consistent with Newton's second law of motion.
According to Newton's second law of motion, net force is equal to the mass of an object multiplied by its acceleration (F = m×a). This principle allows us to use a force probe to determine how much force is being exerted on a system.
For example, if a student were to use a force probe to measure the force on a sprinter, they would be calculating the net force. If the sprinter has a mass of 63.0 kg and an acceleration of 4.20 m/s², the net external force calculated would be F = m×a = 63.0 kg × 4.20 m/s², which comes out to 264.6 Newtons.