Which of the following best describes the difference between scarcity and a shortage?

• A. Scarcity refers to the limited nature of resources, while a shortage occurs when the quantity demanded exceeds the quantity supplied at a given price.
• B. Scarcity is a temporary condition, while a shortage is a permanent state.
• C. Scarcity only happens in developing countries, while shortages occur in developed countries.
• D. Scarcity and shortage mean the same thing in economics.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of scarcity in economics. Scarcity refers to the fundamental economic problem that resources are limited while human wants are unlimited. This means that there are not enough resources to produce everything people want, making scarcity a permanent and universal condition.
2. Step 2: Understand the concept of shortage. A shortage occurs when, at a specific price, the quantity demanded of a good or service exceeds the quantity supplied. This is usually a temporary situation caused by market conditions such as price controls, supply disruptions, or sudden changes in demand.
3. Step 3: Compare scarcity and shortage by focusing on their nature and duration. Scarcity is about the limited availability of resources in general and is always present, while a shortage is a market imbalance that happens at a particular price and time.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the given answer choices by matching them with the definitions and characteristics of scarcity and shortage. The correct description should highlight scarcity as a permanent limitation of resources and shortage as a temporary imbalance between demand and supply at a given price.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description is: 'Scarcity refers to the limited nature of resources, while a shortage occurs when the quantity demanded exceeds the quantity supplied at a given price.' This distinguishes the permanent nature of scarcity from the temporary market condition of shortage.