A supply curve
What does a supply curve illustrate? Other than its own price, what are the determinants of the supply of a commodity. What would make a supply curve shift to the right?
Imagine that the market for orange juice is in equilibrium at a price of $8 per gallon. Provide two demand-related and two supply-related reasons why the equilibrium price could fall to $7.00 per gallon.
What will happen to the market for orange juice if both producers and consumers believe that prices will rise in the near future? Explain your answer.
What will happen to the market for oranges if the government offers price supports to citrus producers? Who will gain and who will lose? Provide examples and explain your answer.
Why is it unfair or meaningless to criticize a theory as “unrealistic?” Provide examples and explain your answer.
Sample Answer
A supply curve illustrates the relationship between the quantity of a good or service that sellers are willing to supply and the price of that good or service. The supply curve slopes upwards, meaning that sellers are willing to supply more of a good or service at a higher price.
Other than its own price, the determinants of the supply of a commodity include:
- The prices of related goods and services: If the price of a related good or service rises, the supply of the original good or service may decrease. For example, if the price of grapefruit juice rises, the supply of orange juice may decrease.
- The cost of production: If the cost of production rises, the supply of the good or service will decrease. For example, if the price of oranges rises, the supply of orange juice will decrease.
- Technology: New technology can make it cheaper to produce a good or service, which can lead to an increase in supply. For example, if a new way to grow oranges is developed, the supply of orange juice may increase.
- Expectations about future prices: If producers expect prices to rise in the future, they may supply more of the good or service now. For example, if producers expect the price of orange juice to rise in the future, they may plant more orange trees now.