What is Equilibrium Price under Perfect Competition?
Equilibrium Price is also known as a market-clearing price. It is the price that is derived by market forces of demand and supply and occurs when market demand is equal to market supply. Technically, at an equilibrium price, the price at which the buyers want to purchase the product is equal to the price at which sellers want to sell the same product. Prices in the market tend to fluctuate too much due to dynamic factors. When there is a rise in prices, it will cause a contraction in quantity demanded and an expansion in quantity supplied, causing a surplus. When there is a decline in prices, it will cause an expansion in quantity demanded and a contraction in quantity supplied, causing a shortage.
Determination of Market Equilibrium under Perfect Competition
Perfect competition is a market where there are a large number of buyers as well as sellers. Equilibrium under Perfect Competition is a state where market demand matches the market supply. When market demand and market supply balance each other, there occurs a situation of equilibrium in the market. During equilibrium, price and quantity become stable. Equilibrium is the state of no change. The stable price is known as the Equilibrium Price, and the stable quantity is known as the Equilibrium Quantity.
Market Supply = Market Demand
Geeky Takeaways:
- Market equilibrium under perfect competition occurs when market demand is equal to market supply, resulting in an equilibrium price and equilibrium quantity.
- Disequilibrium occurs when market demand is not equal to market supply. It is the opposite of equilibrium.
- The concept of equilibrium is theoretical. In reality, markets are never in perfect equilibrium. There is always either an excess supply or excess demand.
- In the long run, any firm in a perfect competition market always earns normal profits. Abnormal losses or abnormal gains get wiped out by the price mechanism and forces of market supply and market demand.
Table of Content
- What is Equilibrium Price under Perfect Competition?
- What is Equilibrium Quantity under Perfect Competition?
- Determination of Equilibrium Price and Equilibrium Quantity under Perfect Competition
- Equilibrium Price and Equilibrium Quantity in case of Excess Demand (Shortage)
- Equilibrium Price and Equilibrium Quantity in Case of Excess Supply (Surplus)