Answer:
Approximately [tex]18\; {\rm N}[/tex], upwards.
Explanation:
If an ideal spring of spring constant [tex]k[/tex] is at a displacement of [tex]x[/tex] from the equilibrium position, the spring would exert a force of:
[tex]F = -k\, x[/tex].
The negative sign in front of [tex]k\, x[/tex] indicates that the force the spring exerts is opposite in direction to displacement [tex]x[/tex].
Ensure that all quantities are in standard units before substituting the values into the equation. Note that in this question, the displacement of the spring is negative because the fruit presses the spring downward.
[tex]x = (-4.3)\; {\rm cm} = (-0.043)\; {\rm m}[/tex]
Hence, the spring force that the spring exerts on the scale would be:
[tex]\begin{aligned}F &= -k\, x \approx 18\; {\rm N}\end{aligned}[/tex].
Since the value of the force is positive, this force would point upwards.
