Answer: When the quantity of goods supplied is equal to the quantity of goods demanded, it is known as market equilibrium.
Step-by-step explanation:
Market equilibrium occurs at the point where the supply and demand curves intersect on a graph representing the market for a particular product or service. At this intersection, the quantity supplied and the quantity demanded are in balance, and there is no inherent pressure for the price or quantity to change.
In the context of market equilibrium, several outcomes can be observed:
1. Price Stability: When supply and demand intersect at equilibrium, it establishes a stable price point for the product or service. This equilibrium price reflects the value that buyers are willing to pay and the price that sellers are willing to accept.
2. Quantity Balance: At market equilibrium, the quantity of goods supplied matches the quantity of goods demanded. This balance ensures that there is neither excess supply nor excess demand in the market.
3. Efficient Allocation of Resources: Market equilibrium indicates that resources are allocated efficiently. The quantity produced matches the quantity desired by consumers, reflecting an optimal allocation of resources based on consumer preferences and production capabilities.
4. Absence of Shortages or Surpluses: When supply and demand are in equilibrium, there are no shortages (insufficient supply to meet demand) or surpluses (excess supply relative to demand) in the market. The equilibrium condition indicates a state of balance where supply precisely matches demand.
It is worth noting that market equilibrium is not a static state but rather a point towards which markets tend to gravitate. Changes in factors such as consumer preferences, input costs, technology, or market competition can shift the supply and demand curves, leading to a new equilibrium point and potentially altering prices and quantities in the market.