Economics 2281 · O Level · Price elasticity of supply (PES)

Price elasticity of supply (PES) — practice question

China is the world’s biggest producer of gold, whereas India is the world’s biggest buyer of gold. Gold mining in China is becoming more capital-intensive, which is causing the supply of gold to be less price inelastic. Wages for workers in the industry are rising, but other production costs are falling.
(a)[2]

How would you define an industry as being ‘capital-intensive’?

(b)[4]

Explain two reasons why a product’s supply may show price inelasticity.

(c)[6]

Analyse how an increase in output affects fixed, variable and average costs.

(d)[8]

Discuss whether higher wages in an industry will persuade more people to work there.

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