Demand, Supply, and Market Equilibrium
Ever wondered why some products get cheaper when nobody wants them? It all starts with demand - the quantities of goods consumers are willing and able to buy at different prices. When graphed, this creates a demand curve showing how quantity changes with price.
Several factors affect demand beyond just price. These determinants of demand include market size, future expectations, tastes and preferences, prices of related goods, and income levels. Understanding these helps explain why demand changes even when prices don't.
On the flip side, supply represents what producers are willing and able to sell at different prices. The supply curve shows this relationship graphically, while determinants of supply include input costs, number of sellers, technology, government regulations, and producer expectations.
Quick Tip When studying demand and supply curves, remember they typically move in opposite directions. Demand curves slope downward lowerprices=higherquantitydemanded, while supply curves slope upward higherprices=higherquantitysupplied.
When supply meets demand, we reach market equilibrium - the point where quantity supplied equals quantity demanded at the equilibrium price. If prices are too high, a surplus occurs; if too low, a shortage results. These disequilibrium situations naturally push markets back toward equilibrium as prices adjust.