How does long-run aggregate supply (LRAS) differ from the SRAS?

Long-run aggregate supply (LRAS) is vertical because it represents the economy's potential output when all resources are fully utilized, which is not influenced by the price level. In the long run, the economy operates at full employment, meaning that the amount of goods and services produced is determined by factors such as technology, resources, and labor force rather than by the price level.

On the other hand, short-run aggregate supply (SRAS) is upward sloping. This reflects how in the short run, the output can increase with higher prices due to factors such as fixed wages and contracts, which may not allow for immediate adjustments. As prices rise, firms are incentivized to increase production since they can cover their variable costs more easily, leading to an increase in output.

Understanding this distinction is critical for analyzing how economies adjust to shocks and changes in policy in both the short and long terms. The vertical nature of LRAS signifies that, in the long run, the economy's capacity is determined by real factors and is not affected by inflationary pressures, highlighting the importance of viewing economic performance beyond short-term fluctuations.