A perfectly competitive market is not characterized by a. many small firms. b. a great variety of different products. c. free entry into and exit from the market. d. any of the above.

Short Answer

Expert verified
A perfectly competitive market is not characterized by a great variety of different products (option 'b'). This is because a perfectly competitive market features homogeneous or identical products that are perfect substitutes for each other.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the characteristics of a perfectly competitive market

A perfectly competitive market has the following characteristics: 1. A large number of buyers and sellers. 2. Homogeneous products or identical products. 3. Free entry and exit of firms. 4. Perfect information about the market and prices. Now we will analyze each option to see which one does not match these characteristics.
02

Analyze Option 'a' - Many small firms

In a perfectly competitive market, there are many small firms. This ensures that no single firm has the power to influence the market price. Therefore, option 'a' does characterize a perfectly competitive market.
03

Analyze Option 'b' - A great variety of different products

A perfectly competitive market is characterized by identical or homogeneous products. This means that all products within the market are perfect substitutes for each other. Contrarily, option 'b' states that there is a great variety of different products. As this characteristic doesn't align with the characteristics of a perfectly competitive market, we can consider option 'b' as the correct answer. However, let's analyze the last option to make sure.
04

Analyze Option 'c' - Free entry into and exit from the market

In a perfectly competitive market, there is free entry and exit of firms. This means that any firm can enter the market and compete with existing firms or leave the market without any restrictions or barriers. Because this characteristic aligns with the characteristics of a perfectly competitive market, option 'c' does characterize a perfectly competitive market.
05

Analyze Option 'd' - Any of the above

Now that we have analyzed options 'a', 'b', and 'c', we know that option 'b' is not a characteristic of a perfectly competitive market. Since option 'd' says that none of the above options is a characteristic of a perfectly competitive market, we can conclude that option 'd' is incorrect.
06

Conclusion

Based on our analysis, the correct answer is option 'b' - A perfectly competitive market is not characterized by a great variety of different products. This is because a perfectly competitive market is characterized by homogeneous or identical products that are perfect substitutes for each other.

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