Explain how the price mechanism responds to excess supply in a free market

A free market is one where the price of the good or service is determined by the demand from consumers and the supply from producers. When there is excess supply within a market, it means that there is too much of the good or service being produced. This will be corrected by an contraction in supply, along the supply curve, and an extension in demand, along the demand curve. Demand will continue to extend and supply continue to contract until a new equilibrium price and quantity is reached and demand and supply are equal.

EL
Answered by Emily L. Economics tutor

10454 Views

See similar Economics A Level tutors

Related Economics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is a key constraint to economic growth and development for developing countries? Explain how so.


Why does a rise in interest rates lead to a fall in inflation?


'Is Economic growth purely beneficial?'


Explain using a diagram why when people have medical insurance the PED for medical treatment is likely to be very low whilst the YED is likely to be high


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning