Quantity Supplied
Definition
Quantity supplied refers to the amount of a good or service that producers are willing and able to bring to the market at a specific price during a given period. This concept is fundamental in economics and plays a crucial role in determining market dynamics. The relationship between the quantity supplied and the price is typically direct; as the price increases, the quantity supplied also increases, all else being equal.
Examples
- Agricultural Products: A farmer might supply 1,000 bushels of wheat at $5 per bushel but will increase the supply to 2,000 bushels if the price rises to $7 per bushel.
- Manufactured Goods: A car manufacturer might produce 100,000 cars annually if the market price is $30,000 per car, but it might supply 120,000 cars if the price increases to $35,000 per car.
- Technology Gadgets: A smartphone company might supply 500,000 units at a price of $500 per unit. If the price increases to $600, the company may increase the production to 600,000 units.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What factors affect quantity supplied?
- Factors such as production costs, technological advancements, number of suppliers, market expectations, and price of related goods can affect the quantity supplied.
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How does the law of supply relate to quantity supplied?
- The law of supply states that there is a direct relationship between price and quantity supplied, meaning as the price of a good or service increases, the quantity supplied also increases, and vice versa.
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What is the difference between quantity supplied and supply?
- Quantity supplied refers to the amount of a good or service that producers are willing to sell at a specific price. Supply refers to the overall relationship between prices and the quantity of a good or service that producers are willing to sell.
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Can quantity supplied be influenced by non-price factors?
- Yes, non-price factors such as technology, input prices, and government policies can also influence the quantity supplied.
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What is meant by a supply curve?
- A supply curve is a graphical representation showing the relationship between the price of a good and the quantity supplied. It typically slopes upward, indicating that higher prices lead to higher quantities supplied.
Related Terms
1. Aggregate Supply
- The total supply of goods and services producers are willing and able to sell at a given overall price level in an economy.
2. Law of Supply
- A fundamental principle stating that there is a direct relationship between the price of a good and the quantity supplied.
3. Market Equilibrium
- A situation in which market supply and demand balance each other, resulting in stable prices.
4. Short-Run Supply Curve
- A graphical representation of the quantity supplied in the short run as prices change.
5. Long-Run Supply Curve
- A graphical representation of the quantity supplied over a longer time horizon, often more elastic than the short-run supply curve.
Online References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Principles of Economics” by N. Gregory Mankiw
- “Microeconomics” by Robert S. Pindyck and Daniel L. Rubinfeld
- “Economics: Principles, Problems, and Policies” by Campbell R. McConnell and Stanley L. Brue
Fundamentals of Quantity Supplied: Economics Basics Quiz
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