Question

The language of price controls

Suppose that, in a competitive market without government regulations, the equilibrium price of milk is $2.50 per gallon.
Complete the following table by indicating whether each of the statements is an example of a price ceiling or a price floor and whether it is binding or non-binding.
Statement Price Control Binding or Not
The government prohibits grocery stores from selling
milk for more than $2.30 per gallon.
The government has instituted a legal minimum price
of $2.30 per gallon for milk.
Due to new regulations, grocery stores that would like
to pay better wages in order to hire more workers are
prohibited from doing so.

Answer 1

Price ceiling binding

price floor non binding

price ceiling binding

Step-by-step explanation:

A price floor is when the government or an agency of the government sets the minimum price of a product. A price floor is binding if it is set above equilibrium price.

The minimum price is $2.30 which is less than the equilibrium price of $2.50. Thus, its a non binding price floor

Price ceiling is when the government or an agency of the government sets the maximum price for a product. It is binding when it is set below equilibrium price.

Effects of a binding price ceiling

1. It leads to shortages

2. it leads to the development of black markets

3. it prevents producers from raising price beyond a certain price

4. It lowers the price consumers pay for a product. This increases consumer surplus

the maximum price is 2.30 which is less than the equilibrium price of $2.50. Thus, its a binding price ceiling