In a market, equilibrium occurs when the quantity demanded equals the quantity supplied, resulting in a stable market price. This balance is disrupted by _____, which can lead to market failures.

In a market, equilibrium happens when the amount of a product that consumers want to buy is equal to the amount that producers want to sell. This balance creates a stable price for the product. However, this balance can be disrupted by factors such as changes in consumer preferences, unexpected supply shortages, or government regulations. For example, if a new trend suddenly makes a product very popular, more people will want to buy it, but if the producers can't increase their supply quickly enough, there will be a shortage. This mismatch can lead to higher prices and market failures, where the market doesn't work as it should.