Question

The equilibrium quantity in markets characterized by oligopoly is higher than in monopoly markets and higher than in perfectly competitive markets. lower than in monopoly markets and higher than in perfectly competitive markets. higher than in monopoly markets and lower than in perfectly competitive markets. lower than in monopoly markets and lower than in perfectly competitive markets.

Answer 1

Answer:

higher than in monopoly markets and lower than in perfectly competitive markets.

Explanation:

An oligopoly can be defined as a market structure comprising of a small number of firms (sellers) offering identical or similar products, wherein none can limit the significant influence of others.

Hence, it is a market structure that is distinguished by several characteristics, one of which is either similar or identical products and dominance by few firms.

The characteristics of an oligopolistic market structure are;

I. Mutual interdependence between the firms.

II. Market control by many small firms.

III. Difficult entry to new firms.

An equilibrium quantity can be defined as a situation in which there are no surplus or shortage of finished goods in the market.

This ultimately implies that, there is an intersection between demand and supply i.e the amount of goods and services that the consumers are willing to buy is equal to the amount of goods and services that the producers are able and willing to supply at a specific period of time.

Hence, the equilibrium quantity in markets characterized by oligopoly is higher than in monopoly markets and lower than in perfectly competitive markets.

A monopoly is a market structure which is typically characterized by a single-seller who sells a unique product in the market by dominance. This ultimately implies that, it is a market structure wherein the seller has no competitor because he is solely responsible for the sale of unique products without close substitutes.

In a perfectly competitive market, there are many buyers and sellers (price takers) of homogeneous products (standardized products with substitute) and the market is free (practically open) to all individuals or business entities that are willing to trade all their goods and services.