Question

The basic model of pure competition reviewed in this chapter finds that in the long run all firms in a purely competitive industry will earn normal profits. If all firms only earn a normal profit in the long run, firms will develop new products or lower-cost production methods because they can:_________.a) innovate and possibly earn an economic profit in the short run. b) improve their management and earn an economic profit in the long run. c) eliminate competition. d) innovate and possibly earn a normal profit in the short run.

Answer 1

If all firms only earn a normal profit in the long run, firms will develop new products or lower-cost production methods because they can innovate and possibly earn an economic profit in the short run.

Explanation:

Competition involves constant efforts by companies and executives to do more than the loss (normal gains) of new goods or by improving ways to manufacture current products at lower prices. Therefore, if businesses can invent, they will achieve short-term economic advantage.

Economic benefit encourages entry, economic losses lead to exit and firms in a highly profitable market earn little economic income in a long-term equilibrium. In an industry where inflation does not change the costs of materials (a market with a constant cost), the long-term supply curve is a horizontal line.