Periodic motion is any motion that repeats itself (same position and velocity).

An oscillation is a special case of periodic motion though a central point, typically an equilibrium location (zero net force location).

Simple harmonic motion (SHM) is a special case of an oscillation where the net force is proportional to displacement and the position as a function of time is a sine or cosine function.

A simple, large-angle pendulum is an example of...

A) periodic motion that is not an oscillation

B) an oscillation that is not simple harmonic motion

C) simple harmonic motion

D) none of the above

Solution: B. The tangential force on a large-angle pendulum is no longer proportional to the displacement. The relevant equation is F_tan = mg*sin(theta). The small-angle approximation cannot be used to obtain a force proportional to displacement. But it is still periodic and there is still an equilibrium location at vertical.