The short-run supply curve in a competitive market must be more elastic than the long-run supply curve.

Short-run Supply Curve

A graphical representation showing the quantity of goods and services that producers are willing to sell at each possible price level, over a short time period where some production factors are fixed.

Long-run Supply Curve

A graphical representation showing the relationship between the price of a good and the quantity supplied over a long period, considering all possible changes in inputs and technology.

Elastic

Elastic refers to the responsiveness of the quantity demanded or supplied of a good or service to a change in its price, with high elasticity meaning significant responsiveness.