The notion of potential energy is related to the work done by the forces on the physical system to move it from one position to another in space. That is to say in practical terms it can be calculated by the Force applied in a certain distance. Mathematically this is
[tex]PE = W = F*d[/tex]
Here,
PE = Potential Energy
W= Work
F = Force
d = Distance
Replacing we have,
[tex]PE = 40*0.3[/tex]
[tex]PE = 12J[/tex]
Therefore the potential energy stored in the bow the moment before the arrow is released is 12J.