When springs are stretch, they store potential energy. The equation can be modeled by 0.5kx^2
Substituting known values, we get
[tex]44=0.5k(0.18)^{2}
k=2716.049N/m [/tex]
Next use Hooke's law F=-kx to solve for the force.
[tex]F=-(2716.049N/m)(0.18m)
F=488.88889N[/tex]