What is the difference between a change in supply and a change in quantity supplied?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A change in supply involves a shift in the supply curve due to non-price factors and results in a new supply curve. But a change in quantity supplied is a movement along the same supply curve due to changes in prices only.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of a Change in Supply

A change in supply refers to a shift of the supply curve due to reasons other than price change. Factors such as production costs, technology, and seller expectations can cause this. The outcome is a new supply curve.
02

Definition of Change in Quantity Supplied

A change in quantity supplied refers to a movement along the same supply curve due to price variations. Here, the supplier makes changes in the quantity of the good provided because of price fluctuations. The supply curve remains the same.
03

Comparison of the Two

While a change in supply involves shifting of the entire supply curve and is caused by factors other than price change, a change in quantity supplied is a movement along the same supply curve and arises only due to variations in price.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Years ago, an apple producer argued that the United States should enact a tariff, or a tax, on imports of bananas. His reasoning was that "the enormous imports of cheap bananas into the United States tend to curtail the domestic consumption of fresh fruits produced in the United States." a. Was the apple producer assuming that apples and bananas are substitutes or complements? Briefly explain. b. If a tariff on bananas acts as an increase in the cost of supplying bananas in the United States, use two demand and supply graphs to show the effects of the apple producer's proposal. One graph should show the effect on the banana market in the United States, and the other graph should show the effect on the apple market in the United States. Be sure to label the change in equilibrium price and quantity in each market and any shifts in the demand and supply curves.

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