The illustration above depicts a spring being compressed and then released. changes in both potential and kinetic energy occur during this process. which statement most accurately describes the changes in potential or kinetic energy? a) the kinetic energy is continually increasing throughout the entire process b) the potential energy is continually increasing throughout the entire process c) the potential energy is increasing through steps a & b, then decreases at c. d) the potential energy is decreasing through steps a, b, & c and then increases