The correct option is 1 and 2 only.
Explanation
In microeconomics, specifically within a perfectly competitive market, market equilibrium is determined by the interaction of market demand and market supply. It represents a state of balance where market forces result in a stable price and quantity, with no inherent tendency for change unless external factors shift the demand or supply curves.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Equilibrium is fundamentally defined as a situation where the economic plans of all agents in the market coincide. At the equilibrium price, the intentions of buyers (consumers) regarding how much to purchase match the intentions of sellers (firms) regarding how much to produce and sell.
- Statement 2 is Correct: This statement describes the market-clearing condition. In equilibrium, the aggregate quantity supplied by all firms exactly equals the aggregate quantity demanded by all consumers. Consequently, there is no unsold stock (surplus) and no unfulfilled demand (shortage).
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: When market supply exceeds market demand at a specific price ($Q_s > Q_d$), the market experiences a surplus. This condition is technically termed Excess Supply. Conversely, Excess Demand occurs when market demand exceeds market supply ($Q_d > Q_s$), typically resulting in a shortage.
Key Takeaway
Market Equilibrium occurs at the price where Quantity Demanded equals Quantity Supplied ($Q_d = Q_s$). If Supply > Demand, it is Excess Supply; if Demand > Supply, it is Excess Demand.