Final answer:
The potential energy stored in a spring can be calculated with the formula PES = 1/2 kx², where k is the force constant and x is the displacement. Without the specific displacement value, we cannot determine the potential energy for the given spring with k = 850 N/m.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the potential energy (PES) stored in a spring when it is compressed or extended, we need to know the spring's force constant (k) and the displacement (x) from its undeformed position. The PES can be calculated using the formula PES = 1/2 kx². In this case, however, the displacement x is not provided, so we cannot compute a numerical value for the energy stored in the spring. The force constant k is a measure of the spring's stiffness; the larger the value of k, the stiffer the spring. The relationship between potential energy and force constant is that the potential energy stored in the spring is directly proportional to both the force constant and the square of the displacement from its equilibrium position.