A Level Economics AQA Practice Exam

Which scenario illustrates the concept of scarcity?

1. Abundant natural resources with no competition

2. Limited clean water supplies in a growing population

3. Excess supply of goods leading to a surplus

4. Unlimited access to information technology

The correct answer is: Limited clean water supplies in a growing population

The scenario that illustrates the concept of scarcity is one where there are limited resources available to meet the needs and wants of a growing population. In this case, limited clean water supplies in a growing population exemplify scarcity because it highlights the essential economic problem: resources are finite while human desires are virtually infinite. As the population increases, the demand for clean water rises, but the supply does not increase at the same rate, leading to a situation where there is not enough of this essential resource for everyone. This imbalance forces individuals and societies to make choices about how to allocate the limited supply, which is a fundamental aspect of economics. In contrast, scenarios featuring abundant natural resources with no competition, excess supply of goods, or unlimited access to information technology do not represent scarcity. These situations imply an abundance or surplus of resources, suggesting that needs can be met without limitation, thereby negating the concept of scarcity that is central to economic theory.