Step 1: Understanding normal profit.
Normal profit is the minimum profit required to keep a firm in business. It occurs when a firm's total revenue equals its total cost, including the opportunity cost of the entrepreneur's time and resources.
Step 2: Explanation of options.
- (A) Shutdown point: Incorrect. The shutdown point is where a firm covers its variable costs but not its fixed costs. It does not earn normal profit.
- (B) Excess supply: Incorrect. Excess supply occurs when the quantity supplied exceeds the quantity demanded, which is not directly related to normal profit.
- (C) Break even point: Correct. At the break-even point, the firm's total revenue equals its total cost, meaning the firm earns zero economic profit, or normal profit.
- (D) Excess demand: Incorrect. Excess demand occurs when the quantity demanded exceeds the quantity supplied, not directly related to normal profit.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) Break even point because at this point, the firm earns normal profit, and its total revenue equals its total cost.
Final Answer: Break even point.