1. Problem: Calculate the potential energy of a 5.00 kg shot-put at 3.00 m above the ground. 2. Formula: Potential energy (PE) is given by $$PE = mgh$$ where $m$ is mass, $g$ is acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2), and $h$ is height. 3. Calculation: $$PE = 5.00 \times 9.8 \times 3.00 = 147 \text{ J}$$ 4. Explanation: The potential energy is the energy stored due to the height of the shot above the ground. Here, it is 147 joules when the shot leaves the hand. Final answer: The potential energy of the shot as it left the hand relative to the ground is **147 J**.