Answer:
72 joules
Explanation:
The potential energy of that hammer is a function of its displacement against gravity. Considering that it fell with a velocity of 12 m/s, it was its displacement against gravity that gave it this velocity. It will continue to move until its displacement to gravity is zero.
since the body is in motion; it has converted its potential energy (mgh, m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height) to kinetic energy (energy due to motion, 1/2mv^2; m = mass, v = velocity or speed)
therefore the potential energy is equal to kinetic energy
mgh = 1/2mv^2 = 1/2 *1kg* 12*12 = 72 joules.
The other person who answered this is wrong btw