Solving Mechanics Problem: Ball, String, Fly, Velocity

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the force exerted by a ball on a fly, where the ball is swung in a circular motion with a string of length L. The mass of the ball is M, and the mass of the fly is 2M. To prevent the fly from falling, the centripetal force required for the circular motion, defined as F = (M * v^2) / L, must be considered. The downward gravitational force acting on the fly, equal to 2M * g, must be balanced by the upward force exerted by the ball.

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a ball is connected to a string with length L and is swung around a horizontal axis. On top of the ball sits a fly. At the bottom of the path, the speed of the ball is v, and I need to find what force should be exerted by the ball on the fly to keep it from falling. This is confusing to me because the only forces on the fly are downward, and I'm not sure how to combine the knowledge I have about the velocity with the forces. I also know the masses of the ball and fly(ball=M, fly=2M)
 
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I think it has to do with the fact that acceleration in a circular path is v^2/R, but I'm not sure how
 

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