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Explain the concept of the long-run in economics and how it differs from the short-run.
The long-run in economics is a theoretical concept where all markets are in equilibrium, and all prices and quantities have fully adjusted. It contrasts with the short-run, where there are constraints and markets are not fully in equilibrium. In microeconomics, the long-run has no fixed factors of production and allows for adjustment of output level by changing the capital stock or by entering or leaving an industry. In macroeconomics, the long-run is the period when the general price level, contractual wage rates, and expectations fully adjust to the state of the economy, in contrast to the short-run when these variables may not fully adjust.
What did Alfred Marshall's work Principles of Economics contribute to the differentiation between long-run and short-run economic models?
Alfred Marshall's work Principles of Economics, published in 1890, introduced the differentiation between long-run and short-run economic models. His introduction of long-run and short-run economics reflected the ‘long-period method’ that was a common analysis used by classical political economists.
How did the differentiation between long-run and short-run economic models come into practice in economics?
The differentiation between long-run and short-run economic models came into practice with Alfred Marshall's publication of his work Principles of Economics in 1890. It reflected the ‘long-period method’ that was a common analysis used by classical political economists.
What are the characteristics of the long-run in microeconomics?
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Define the long-run and short-run in economics.
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Study Notes
The Concept of Long-Run and Short-Run in Economics
- In economics, the long-run and short-run are two distinct timeframes used to analyze economic phenomena.
- The long-run refers to a period of time in which all factors of production can be varied, and all inputs can be adjusted to optimal levels.
- In contrast, the short-run is a period of time in which at least one factor of production is fixed, and only some inputs can be adjusted.
Alfred Marshall's Contribution
- Alfred Marshall's work, Principles of Economics, contributed significantly to the differentiation between long-run and short-run economic models.
- Marshall's work introduced the concept of the long-run and short-run as a way to distinguish between the two different timeframes of economic analysis.
Development of Long-Run and Short-Run Models
- The differentiation between long-run and short-run economic models emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as economists sought to understand the dynamics of economic systems.
- The development of these models allowed economists to analyze and understand the behavior of economic systems over different time periods.
Characteristics of the Long-Run in Microeconomics
- In microeconomics, the long-run is characterized by perfect competition, where firms have no market power, and there are no barriers to entry or exit.
- In the long-run, firms can adjust their production levels and input mixes to minimize costs and maximize profits.
- The long-run is often used to analyze the behavior of firms and industries in the absence of external shocks or changes.
Definition of Long-Run and Short-Run in Economics
- The long-run is a period of time in which all factors of production can be varied, and all inputs can be adjusted to optimal levels.
- The short-run is a period of time in which at least one factor of production is fixed, and only some inputs can be adjusted.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the theoretical concept of the long-run in economics, where all markets are in equilibrium, and compare it to the short-run with some constraints and markets not fully in equilibrium. Explore the absence of fixed factors of production in the long-run and the freedom to adjust output levels.