For a simple harmonic oscillator, the total mechanical energy E is conserved and is given by the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy: $$E = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 + \frac{1}{2}kx^2$$
Divide the entire equation by E to get the form of an ellipse: $$\frac{v^2}{2E/m} + \frac{x^2}{2E/k} = 1$$
For the graph in the x-v plane to be a circle, the coefficients of x^2 and v^2 must be equal, or more simply, the denominators must be equal: $$\frac{2E}{m} = \frac{2E}{k}$$ This implies m = k.
Final Answer: k=m
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