📚 Learning Guide
Market Structures in Economics
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A new farmer enters the potato market, and his costs are lower than the existing farmers. Which of the following statements best explains the outcome of this situation in a perfectly competitive market?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

The new farmer will raise prices to maximize profits.

B

Existing farmers will lower their prices to compete with the new farmer.

C

The new farmer will be unable to sell potatoes due to too much competition.

D

The market will reach a new equilibrium with a lower price and potentially higher overall supply.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

When a new farmer with lower costs enters the potato market, he can sell potatoes at a lower price than existing farmers. In a perfectly competitive market, prices are determined by supply and demand, so this lower price will attract more buyers. As more customers buy from the new farmer, he will increase his sales, and existing farmers may have to lower their prices to compete. Over time, this can lead to a decrease in overall market prices, which may affect the profits of the existing farmers. For example, if the new farmer sells potatoes for $1 per pound while others sell for $1.

Detailed Explanation

When a new farmer has lower costs, he can sell potatoes for less money. Other options are incorrect because Some might think the new farmer will raise prices to make more money; It's easy to think existing farmers will lower prices to compete.

Key Concepts

Perfect Competition
Market Equilibrium
Price Floors
Topic

Market Structures in Economics

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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