Work-Energy Incline Problem with Two objects

[mcmahc]

Homework Statement

Block 1 is moving to the right (with velocity v1) when block two is released from rest on
an incline, as shown (from height hi). They meet on the horizontal section of track. After
they collide they move in opposite directions, but with the same speed. Block 2 moves
back up the incline and comes to rest at height hf. Find m2.

m1 = 4.5 kg
v1 = 0.3 m/s
hi = 0.5 m
hf = 0.3 m

http://gyazo.com/f6300a35753c8b7e09fa8620d1494819

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I wasn't really sure where to begin with this problem. I began by trying to find m2's velocity at the bottom of the incline with kinematics equations, getting vf = 2.38 m/s.

mgsinθ = ma (y direction)
a = 4.9 m/s^2

vf^2 = vi^2 + 2ad
vf = 2.38 m/s

If this collides with m1 moving at .3 m/s, and m2's final PE = mgh, where h = .3 m, I'm not sure how to find the mass using only energy equations, not kinematics... So I got stuck here and there's probably a more efficient way to do the problem to begin with.

 

[tiny-tim]

welcome to pf!

hi mcmahc! welcome to pf!

… After they collide they move in opposite directions, but with the same speed.

so, for the collision on the ground, (energy is irrelevant but …) you can use conservation of momentum, combined with v_f1 = v_f2