Energy of Simple Harmonic Oscillators Practice Test

The potential energy of a particle undergoing one-dimensional simple harmonic motion is given by the function $$U(x) = (2.0 \text{ J/m}^2)x^2$$. If the total mechanical energy of the particle is 8.0 J, what is the amplitude of the oscillation?

A physical pendulum consists of a rigid object of mass $$M$$ that oscillates about a pivot point a distance $$d$$ from its center of mass. It is released from rest at a small maximum angular displacement $$\theta_{max}$$. Which of the following changes will increase the total mechanical energy of the pendulum-Earth system?