Which of the following is a key characteristic of a monopolist producing self-cleaning jackets?

• A. The monopolist faces perfect competition from many other firms.
• B. The monopolist is the sole producer of self-cleaning jackets with no close substitutes.
• C. The monopolist can freely enter and exit the market without barriers.
• D. The monopolist is a price taker in the market for self-cleaning jackets.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of a monopolist: A monopolist is a single seller in a market with no close substitutes for its product, giving it significant market power.
2. Analyze the options given: Identify which statement aligns with the characteristics of a monopoly, such as being the sole producer and facing no close substitutes.
3. Recall that in perfect competition, many firms exist and no single firm can influence the market price, which contrasts with a monopoly.
4. Recognize that free entry and exit are features of competitive markets, not monopolies, which typically have barriers to entry.
5. Note that a monopolist is a price maker, not a price taker, because it can influence the price by adjusting its output.