in a compressed spring, energy is in the form of

(a) kinetic energy
(b) potential energy
(c) chemical energy
(d) sound energy

In a compressed spring, the energy is in the form of potential energy.

To understand why, let's break it down step by step:

1. A compressed spring is a spring that has been pressed or squashed, causing it to store potential energy.
2. Potential energy refers to the energy that an object possesses due to its position or condition. In this case, the compressed spring has the potential to do work because of its configuration.
3. The potential energy in a compressed spring is known as elastic potential energy, which is a type of potential energy stored when an elastic object, such as a spring, is deformed or stretched.
4. When a spring is compressed, work is done against the force of the spring, storing potential energy within the spring.
5. This potential energy can then be converted into other forms, such as kinetic energy, when the spring is released.

So, the correct answer is (b) potential energy.

I will be happy to critique your thinking.