Supply and Demand Principles

What determines price in a Free-Enterprise System?

Higher prices decrease a producer's ability to supply goods and services.

Lower prices lead to larger numbers of consumers being willing and able to buy goods.

What is the condition of a balanced market called?

What is the price at which a good is bought and sold in market equilibrium?

What condition occurs when the Quantity Supplied is greater than the Quantity Demanded?

What condition occurs when the Quantity Demanded is greater than the Quantity Supplied?

What do shortages and surpluses indicate?

What is the goal a market is trying to reach?

What types of changes result in price adjustments in the market?

Supply & Demand

Price in a Free-Enterprise System is determined by the interaction of supply and demand.

Higher Prices

Suppliers are more willing and able to provide goods and services at elevated prices.
Higher prices enhance a producer's capability to supply the market.

Lower Prices

Increased consumer willingness and ability to purchase goods occurs at lower prices.

Market Equilibrium

Balanced market condition exists when the quantity supplied (Qs) equals the quantity demanded (Qd) at a specific price (P "X").
Reflects alignment in the plans of buyers and sellers.

Equilibrium Price

The specific price at which goods are exchanged in a market equilibrium.

Surplus

Occurs when the quantity supplied exceeds the quantity demanded, typically at prices above equilibrium.
Creates downward pressure on prices, prompting producers to lower prices to sell excess stock.
Provides consumers with lower prices, likened to a "sale", while allowing producers to recover costs.

Shortage

Arises when the quantity demanded surpasses the quantity supplied, occurring at prices below equilibrium.
Generates upward pressure on prices, encouraging producers to raise prices for profitability.
Benefits consumers who are willing and able to meet the higher prices.

Shortages & Surpluses

Manifest when supply and demand forces are imbalanced, often representing temporary states that drive the market back to equilibrium.

Equilibrium

Represents the ideal state that a market strives to achieve.

Change in Supply & Change in Demand

Prices are influenced by variations in supply and demand, which dictate market dynamics.

Test your understanding of supply and demand concepts in a free-enterprise system. This quiz covers essential topics such as market equilibrium, equilibrium price, and the effects of surplus on pricing. Assess your knowledge of how prices are determined and the interplay between suppliers and consumers.