The correct answer is d. Economic profit is zero in the long run.
In the long run, perfect competition is characterized by free entry and exit of firms. If existing firms are earning profits, it attracts new firms to enter the market
The study of perfect competition states (d) economic profit is zero in the long run.
In perfect competition, all of the statements mentioned are true, but the key characteristic that defines perfect competition is that economic profit is zero in the long run. Let's break down each statement:
a. A firm faced with a horizontal demand curve: In perfect competition, each firm faces a horizontal demand curve, meaning it can sell any quantity of output at the prevailing market price. The firm is a price taker and cannot affect the price it receives for its output.
b. Always produces at an output level where MR = MC = P: In perfect competition, firms maximize their profits by producing at the quantity where marginal revenue (MR) equals marginal cost (MC), which is also equal to the market price (P).
c. Faces a perfectly elastic demand for its product: Since each firm in perfect competition faces a large number of buyers and sellers, the firm's demand curve is perfectly elastic, meaning it can sell any quantity of output at the market price without affecting the price.
d. Economic profit is zero in the long run: In the long run, new firms can enter the market and existing firms can exit if they are making economic profits or losses. This entry and exit process continues until economic profits are driven to zero. Therefore, in perfect competition, economic profit is zero in the long run.
So, the correct answer is (d) economic profit is zero in the long run.
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