Final answer:
A government-imposed price ceiling at $19 that is below the equilibrium price will cause a market shortage because the quantity demanded increases while the quantity supplied decreases, leading to a situation where demand exceeds supply.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the government imposes a price ceiling at $19, the impact on the market depends on whether this price is below the equilibrium price. A price ceiling sets a maximum price at which goods can be sold, but it does not affect prices that are already below this maximum. If the price ceiling of $19 is below the market's equilibrium price, it will cause the quantity demanded to increase (since consumers will want to buy more at the lower price) and the quantity supplied to decrease (since producers will be less willing to sell at the lower price). These opposing forces generate a shortage in the market because the quantity demanded will exceed the quantity supplied.
Therefore, statement B) This price restriction will cause a shortage to appear in the market accurately describes the impact of a price ceiling set below the equilibrium price. Statements A, C, D, and E are incorrect because a price ceiling has no impact on prices below the set level, and it does not create a surplus when it is below the equilibrium price.