Chapter 8, Problem 19P

Two blocks are free to slide along the frictionless, wooden track shown in Figure P8.19. The block of mass m₁ = 5.00 kg is released from the position shown, at height h = 5.00 m above the flat part of the track. Protruding from its front end is the north pole of a strong magnet, which repels the north pole of an identical magnet embedded in the back end of the block of mass m₂ = 10.0 kg, initially at rest. The two blocks never touch. Calculate the maximum height to which m₁ rises after the elastic collision.

Figure P8.19