Question

What causes a movement along the demand curve? What causes a movement along the supply curve?

Short answer

A movement along the demand curve is caused by a change in the price of the good, with all other factors remaining constant. An increase in price leads to a contraction in demand (leftward movement), while a decrease in price results in an extension in demand (rightward movement). Similarly, a movement along the supply curve is also caused by a change in the price of the good, with all other factors remaining constant. An increase in price leads to an extension in supply (rightward movement), while a decrease in price results in a contraction in supply (leftward movement).

Step-by-step solution

Define the Demand Curve

The demand curve is a graphical representation of the relationship between the quantity of a good that consumers are willing and able to purchase and the price of the good. It shows how the quantity demanded changes as the price of the good changes. The demand curve typically slopes downward from left to right, indicating that as the price of the good increases, the quantity demanded decreases and vice versa.

Define the Supply Curve

The supply curve is a graphical representation of the relationship between the quantity of a good that producers are willing and able to produce and the price of the good. It shows how the quantity supplied changes as the price of the good changes. The supply curve typically slopes upward from left to right, indicating that as the price of the good increases, the quantity supplied increases and vice versa.

Movement Along the Demand Curve

A movement along the demand curve occurs when there is a change in the quantity demanded due to a change in the price of the good, all other factors remaining constant. There are two types of movements along the demand curve: 1. Extension (or Increase) in Demand: When the price of the good decreases, the quantity demanded increases, resulting in a movement along the demand curve to the right. 2. Contraction (or Decrease) in Demand: When the price of the good increases, the quantity demanded decreases, resulting in a movement along the demand curve to the left. These movements along the demand curve are solely caused by changes in the price of the good.

Movement Along the Supply Curve

A movement along the supply curve occurs when there is a change in the quantity supplied due to a change in the price of the good, all other factors remaining constant. There are two types of movements along the supply curve: 1. Extension (or Increase) in Supply: When the price of the good increases, the quantity supplied increases, resulting in a movement along the supply curve to the right. 2. Contraction (or Decrease) in Supply: When the price of the good decreases, the quantity supplied decreases, resulting in a movement along the supply curve to the left. These movements along the supply curve are solely caused by changes in the price of the good.