Final answer:
The force exerted by a spring is calculated using Hooke's law, represented as F = -kx, where 'k' is the spring constant and 'x' is the displacement from the equilibrium position. The potential energy stored in a spring is (1/2)kx^2.
Step-by-step explanation:
The force exerted by a spring as a function of the amount it has been stretched or compressed is given by Hooke's law, which states that the force (F) is directly proportional to the displacement (x) from its equilibrium position. The equation for this is F = -kx, where 'k' is the spring constant, and 'x' represents the displacement of the spring from its undistorted length. The negative sign indicates that the force exerted by the spring is a restoring force, which acts in the opposite direction of the displacement. Additionally, when considering potential energy (PE) stored in a spring, the equation PEs = (1/2)kx2 is used.