In Discussions of Barriers to Entry, What Is Meant by the Term

question 136

Multiple Choice

In discussions of barriers to entry, what is meant by the term "virtuous cycle"?

• A)A virtuous cycle refers to successful research and development that leads to information that is used to develop other new products.
• B)A virtuous cycle refers to a firm using the profits from a monopoly in one market to establish a monopoly in another market.
• C)A virtuous cycle refers to the situation where the pursuit of self-interest in establishing an entry barrier leads to an increase in social welfare (the "invisible hand").
• D)A virtuous cycle refers to a situation where if a firm can attract enough customers initially, it can attract additional customers because its product's value has been increased by other customers using it, which attracts even more customers.

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Definitions:

Highest-Energy Structure

The conformation or arrangement of atoms in a molecule that has the highest potential energy, often least stable, compared to other conformations.

Molecular Collision

The process in which two or more particles (atoms, ions, molecules) come into close enough proximity to affect each other's trajectories or engage in a chemical reaction.

Activation Energy

The minimum amount of energy required to initiate a chemical reaction or the energy barrier to the reaction's progress.

Reaction-Energy Diagram

A graphical representation showing the energy of a system as reactants transform into products during a chemical reaction, usually highlighting energy barriers and stable intermediates.