A shift in demand curve has a larger effect on price and smaller effect on quantity when the number of firms is fixed compared to the situation when free entry and exits is permitted. Explain.
The above figure depicts both the cases when the number of firms is fixed (in short run) and when the number of firms is not fixed (in long run). P = min AC represents the long run price line; D1D1 and D2D2 represents the demand in the short run and the long run respectively. The point E1 represents the initial equilibrium, where the demand and the supply intersect each other. Let us suppose that the demand curve shifts, assuming that the number of firms is fixed. Now, the new equilibrium will be at Es (as it is short run equilibrium), where the supply curve and the demand curve D2D2 intersect each other. The equilibrium price is Ps and equilibrium quantity is On the other hand,
under the assumption of free entry and exit, an increase in demand will shift the demand curve rightwards to D2D2 . The new equilibrium will be at E2 (as it is a long run equilibrium) with the equilibrium price P = min AC and equilibrium quantity qL Therefore, on comparing both the cases,b we find that when the firms are given the freedom of entry and exit, the equilibrium price remains the same. The price is lower than that of the short run equilibrium price (Ps ); whereas, the long run equilibrium quantity (qL ) is more than that of the short run equilibrium quantity (qs). Similarly, for the leftward demand shift, it can be found that the short run equilibrium price (Ps ) is lower than the long run equilibrium
price and the short run equilibrium quantity (qs ) in less than the long run equilibrium quantity (Lq)
How will a change in the price of coffee affect the equilibrium price of tea? Explain the effect on equilibrium quantity also through a diagram.
Suppose the price at which the equilibrium is attained in exercise 5 is above the minimum average cost of the firms constituting the market. Now if we allow for free entry and exit of firms, how will the market price adjust to it?
When do we say that there is an excess demand for a commodity in the market?
When do we say that there is an excess supply for a commodity in the market?
Explain through a diagram the effect of a rightward shift of both the demand and supply curves on equilibrium price and quantity.
Suppose the market determined rent for apartments is too high for common people to afford. If the government comes forward to help those seeking apartments on rent by imposing control on rent, what impact will it have on the market for apartments?
In what respect do the supply and demand curves in the labor market differ from those in the goods market?
Explain how price is determined in a perfectly competitive market with a fixed number of firms.
Explain market equilibrium.
Suppose the demand and supply curves of salt are given by:
(a) Find the equilibrium price and quantity.
(b) Now, suppose that the price of an input that used to produce salt has increased so, that the new supply curve is qs = 400 + 3p
How does the equilibrium price and quantity change? Does the change conform to your expectation?
(a) Suppose the government has imposed at ax of Rs 3 per unit of sale on salt. How does it affect the equilibrium rice quantity?
Explain the concept of a production function
What would be the shape of the demand curve so that the total revenue curve is?
(a) A positively sloped straight line passing through the origin?
(b) A horizontal line?
Discuss the central problems of an economy.
What are the characteristics of a perfectly competitive market?
What do you mean by the budget set of a consumer?
What is the total product of input?
From the schedule provided below calculate the total revenue, demand curve and the price elasticity of demand:
Quantity |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
Marginal Revenue |
10 |
6 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
What do you mean by the production possibilities of an economy?
How are the total revenue of a firm, market price, and the quantity sold by the firm related to each other?
What is budget line?
Will a profit-maximising firm in a competitive market ever produce a positive level of output in the range where the marginal cost is falling? Give an explanation.
The following table shows the total cost schedule of a firm. What is the total fixed cost schedule of this firm? Calculate the TVC, AFC, AVC, SAC and SMC schedules of the firm.
When does a production function satisfy constant returns to scale?
What is the marginal product of an input?
What is the law of variable proportions?
What is the total product of input?
A monopoly firm has a total fixed cost of Rs 100 and has the following demand schedule:
Quantity |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
Marginal Revenue |
100 |
90 |
80 |
70 |
60 |
50 |
40 |
30 |
20 |
10 |
Find the short run equilibrium quantity, price and total profit. What would be the equilibrium in the long run? In case the total cost is Rs.1000, describe the equilibrium in the short run and in the long run.
What does the price elasticity of supply mean? How do we measure it?
Can there be some fixed cost in the long run? If not, why?
At which point does the SMC curve intersect the SAC curve? Give a reason in support of your answer.