Question

when a spring is compressed, the energy changes from kinetic to potential. which best describes what is causing this change?
work
power
gravitational energy
chemical energy

Explanation:

Work is done on the spring to compress it. According to the work - energy theorem, work done on an object can change its energy state. When work is done to compress a spring, kinetic energy of the object compressing the spring is transferred to elastic potential energy of the spring. Power is the rate of doing work and not the cause of the energy change here. Gravitational energy is related to height and mass and not relevant in this spring - compression scenario. Chemical energy is stored in chemical bonds and not involved in this mechanical energy transformation.

Answer:

work