Final answer:
The potential energy of the cannonball would be 588 Joules.
Step-by-step explanation:
The potential energy (PE) of an object can be calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where m is the mass in kg, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s²), and h is the height in meters.
In this case, the cannonball has a mass of 5 kg and is dropped from a height of 12 m. Plugging these values into the formula, we get PE = 5 kg * 9.8 m/s² * 12 m = 588 J.
Therefore, the cannonball would have 588 Joules of potential energy when dropped from a height of 12 meters.