A wrecking ball has the potential to exert force on another object primarily due to the energy it possesses from its position and motion. Here is how this works:

• Gravitational Potential Energy: When the wrecking ball is lifted to a height by a crane, it stores gravitational potential energy because of its elevated position relative to the ground. The higher the ball is raised, the more potential energy it accumulates

• Conversion to Kinetic Energy: When the wrecking ball is released, this potential energy converts into kinetic energy as the ball accelerates downward due to gravity. The velocity of the ball increases as it swings down, reaching maximum speed at the lowest point of its arc

• Momentum and Force on Impact: The wrecking ball’s momentum, which is the product of its mass and velocity, increases as it swings faster. When the ball collides with a structure, this momentum translates into a force exerted on the object. The greater the momentum, the greater the force applied, which can cause the structure to break or collapse

• Newton’s Third Law: According to Newton’s third law, the wrecking ball exerts a force on the wall, and the wall exerts an equal and opposite force on the ball. The ball can break through because the force is concentrated and the ball’s momentum overcomes the structural integrity of the wall

In summary, the wrecking ball exerts force on another object because it stores potential energy when raised, converts this energy into kinetic energy as it swings, and then delivers a high-momentum impact force to the object it hits