Final answer:
The change in potential energy can be calculated using the formula U = (1/2)kx², where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement of the spring. In this case, the change in potential energy is 0.225 J.
Step-by-step explanation:
The change in potential energy can be calculated using the formula U = (1/2)kx², where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement of the spring.
In this case, the displacement of the spring is 3 cm. Given that k_g = 0.5 N/cm, we can calculate the change in potential energy as follows:
U = (1/2)(0.5 N/cm)(3 cm)² = 0.225 J
Therefore, the change in potential energy is 0.225 J.