Question

Why would a free market never operate at a quantity greater than the equilibrium quantity? Hint: What would be required for a transaction to occur at that quantity?

Short answer

In a free market, the equilibrium quantity is the point where supply meets demand, and transactions take place at this point. If a free market were to operate at a quantity greater than the equilibrium, it would lead to a surplus in supply where more goods are produced than demanded. In such a situation, for transactions to occur, sellers would have to reduce their prices, which is an unprofitable and unsustainable strategy in the long run. Therefore, a free market never operates at a quantity greater than the equilibrium quantity to maintain a balance between supply and demand.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the basic concepts of Supply, Demand, and Market Equilibrium

In economics, 'supply' refers to the total amount of a particular good or service that the market can provide, while 'demand' refers to consumers' willingness and ability to purchase. The point where the supply and demand curves intersect is the equilibrium point, representing the price at which a good or service is supplied and demanded in perfectly equal amounts.

Interpreting the Effect of Exceeding Equilibrium Quantity

Once we've established that 'equilibrium quantity' is the quantity of goods or services sought by buyers and offered by sellers in the market, it's simpler to understand what would happen if a free market were to operate at a quantity greater than this equilibrium. Essentially, this would create a surplus, where the supply of goods exceeds demand.

Defining the Transaction Requirements

In a free market, a transaction occurs when a buyer and a seller agree on a price for a specific good or service. However, with an over-supply or surplus (i.e., when the quantity is greater than the equilibrium), sellers find it challenging to sell their goods at their desired price because there are more goods available than buyers want. This situation implies that for transactions to take place, sellers will have to reduce their prices to appeal to buyers.

Concluding the Analysis

Therefore, a free market won't operate at a quantity that exceeds equilibrium because doing so would lead to a surplus. In such a situation, the only way for transactions to occur would be for sellers to reduce their prices, which is not a profitable or sustainable strategy in the long run. Hence, in a free market, the equilibrium quantity is always maintained to balance supply and demand and ensure mutually agreed transactions.