Step 1: Understand the nature of the transaction. The store sells a laptop for \$1,200 cash, which means cash is received immediately, and revenue is earned from the sale of the laptop.
Step 2: Identify the accounts involved. The accounts affected are 'Cash' (an asset account) and 'Sales Revenue' (a revenue account). Since cash is received, it increases the asset account, and since revenue is earned, it increases the revenue account.
Step 3: Determine the type of account changes. Cash is an asset account, and receiving cash increases assets, so it should be debited. Sales Revenue is a revenue account, and earning revenue increases revenue, so it should be credited.
Step 4: Apply the journal entry format. The journal entry should follow the format: Debit the account that increases (Cash) and Credit the account that increases (Sales Revenue).
Step 5: Write the journal entry. The correct journal entry is: Debit Cash \$1,200; Credit Sales Revenue \$1,200. This reflects the increase in cash and the recognition of revenue from the sale.