In Medieval Europe, there were two basic types of waterwheel. In an undershot wheel, water flows below the wheel to turn it. In an overshot wheel, water flows over the top of the wheel to turn it. Because the overshot wheel cooperates better with gravity, it is more efficient than an undershot wheel but it also requires a hill. Which wheel has a more inelastic supply curve and why?
A) An undershot wheel, because Europe is much smaller than the rest of the world.
B) An undershot wheel, because it was less efficient than the overshot wheel.
C) An overshot wheel, because it was more efficient than the undershot wheel.
D) An overshot wheel, because it was more difficult to find locations to build them.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An overshot wheel has a more inelastic supply curve because it requires specific geographical conditions (a hill) to be built, making suitable locations more limited and thus less responsive to changes in demand.

In Medieval Europe, There Were Two Basic Types of Waterwheel