How do Newton's laws apply to circular motion?

Newton's laws apply to circular motion through centripetal force and the conservation of angular momentum.

Circular motion involves an object moving in a circular path at a constant speed. According to Newton's first law, an object in motion will continue in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force. In circular motion, this external force is the centripetal force, which acts towards the center of the circle and keeps the object moving in a circular path. This force is necessary to overcome the object's tendency to move in a straight line.

Newton's second law states that the force acting on an object is equal to its mass multiplied by its acceleration. In circular motion, the acceleration of the object is directed towards the center of the circle and is equal to v^2/r, where v is the velocity of the object and r is the radius of the circle. Therefore, the centripetal force required to keep the object in circular motion is equal to mv^2/r, where m is the mass of the object.

Newton's third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In circular motion, the centripetal force is provided by an external force, such as tension in a string or the force of gravity. The object exerts an equal and opposite force on the external force, as required by Newton's third law.

Finally, the conservation of angular momentum applies to circular motion. Angular momentum is the product of an object's moment of inertia and its angular velocity. In circular motion, the moment of inertia remains constant, and the angular velocity is constant. Therefore, the angular momentum of the object remains constant, as required by the conservation of angular momentum.