Final answer:
In the long run, firms in a monopolistically competitive market earn zero economic profits, while firms in a perfectly competitive market also earn zero economic profits. However, there is a difference in how firms in these two markets set their prices.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the long run, firms in a monopolistically competitive market earn zero economic profits, while firms in a perfectly competitive market also earn zero economic profits in the long run. However, there is a difference in how firms in these two markets set their prices.
In a monopolistically competitive market, firms charge a price higher than marginal cost in the long run. This is because they have some degree of market power and can differentiate their products, allowing them to charge a higher price.
On the other hand, in a perfectly competitive market, firms charge a price equal to marginal cost in the long run. This is because there is no market power, and all firms sell identical products, resulting in a uniform market price.