Suppose a Market Is Initially Perfectly Competitive with Many Firms

question 177

Multiple Choice

Suppose a market is initially perfectly competitive with many firms selling an identical product. Over time, however, suppose the merging of firms results in the market being served by only three or four firms selling this same product. As a result, we would expect

• A)an increase in market output and an increase in the price of the product.
• B)an increase in market output and an decrease in the price of the product.
• C)a decrease in market output and an increase in the price of the product.
• D)a decrease in market output and a decrease in the price of the product.

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Definitions:

Price Ceiling

A legally imposed limit on the price that can be charged for a good or service, typically set below the equilibrium price.

Excess Demand

A situation where the quantity demanded of a good or service exceeds the quantity supplied at a particular price, often leading to upward pressure on prices.

Consumer Surplus

The disparity between the cumulative amount consumers are willing to pay for a product or service and the amount they actually pay.

Market Equilibrium

Market equilibrium is a state in a market where the quantity of goods supplied equals the quantity demanded, and there is no incentive for price to change, balancing the forces of supply and demand.