Final answer:
The mouse's potential energy is 12 joules. Potential energy is based on an object's position or condition; for an object above the ground, this is gravitational potential energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mouse's potential energy is the energy it has due to its position above the ground. In the scenario described, you mention the mouse has a potential energy of 12 joules. This value itself defines the mouse's potential energy. Potential energy, often denoted by the letter U or PE, is measured in joules (J), which is the standard unit of energy in the International System of Units (SI).Objects that are positioned above the ground have gravitational potential energy, which depends on their height and mass as well as the acceleration due to gravity. However, since the mass of the mouse and the acceleration due to gravity are not mentioned, we cannot calculate the potential energy using its physical properties in this case. Instead, we rely on the given information that the potential energy is 12 joules.