We are given:
extension of the spring (x) = 10 cm OR 0.1 m
Force applied to keep it in position (F) = 500 N
Solving for the spring constant:
We know that F = kx (when the spring is extended)
replacing the variables with the given values
500 = k * 0.1
k = 5000 N/m
This means that to extend the spring by 1 m, we have to apply a force of 5000 N