In: Economics
Suppose we have n firms in a perfectly competitive industry. The shapes of the marginal and average cost curves are as usual, i.e., they are U-shaped. The industry demand curve is downward sloping. Please answer the following questions associated with this simple model.
a. Write down the basic assumptions of a perfectly competitive industry. We have frequently stated that these assumptions were very crucial in obtaining certain results from this model. Explain each assumption in that sense in a few sentences.
b. Describe the industry equilibrium and corresponding long-run equilibrium of any firm in this market. For this analysis, you are supposed to draw two graphs.
c. If there is an increase in the demand for the product in this industry, how is the market going to be affected? What will be the effect of this change on a representative firm in the short-run? Explain possible profit opportunities in the market. As you did in part (b), draw two graphs showing all these changes. For simplicity purposes, please use the same long-run AC curve for your analysis.
d. How will the industry adjust to the change in the demand in the long-run? More briefly: (i) What will happen to the number of firms in the industry? (ii) What are the properties of the new long-run equilibrium in terms of profits? (iii) Which particular assumption(s) did you use in reaching these conclusions? Assume a change in total industry supply will not change the input prices.