What are the main functions of money? Ho | Class 12 Macro Economics Chapter Money and Banking, Money and Banking NCERT Solutions

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Macro Economics - Chapter Money and Banking. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 2: . With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 2:

What are the main functions of money? How does money overcome the shortcomings of a barter system?

Answer:

The main functions of money are as follows:

1. Medium of exchange

Money acts as a medium of exchange as it facilitates exchange through a common medium, i.e. currency. In other words, money helps in the buying and selling of goods. For example, a person can sell his goods to another for money and that person can use money to purchase goods of his choice. Money solves the problem of double coincidence of wants.

2. Unit of value

The values of goods can be measured in terms of money. It is a common medium through which we can calculate the value of each and every good. The value of a good in terms of money is called the price. In the barter system the lack of a common denominator for measuring values of goods was a major drawback.

3. Store of value

This function explains the importance of money as value storage. This implies that wealth in the form of money can be stored easily as a medium of exchange for future use. For example, money can be stored in banks for meeting emergency and future needs.

4. Standard of deferred payments

Payments can easily be made through the medium of money. In other words, it is very difficult to pay back a loan in terms of goods and services. However, with the advent of money the payments of loans or interests can easily be made.

Money overcomes the shortcomings of barter system in the following manner:

a. Money solves the problem of double coincidence of wants. For example, if a person needs wheat in exchange of tea, then he/she must search for a person who is ready to trade wheat for tea. Money made the need for such searches redundant.
b. In barter system, it was very difficult to measure the value of one good in terms of another. For example, it is difficult to calculate the value of a cow in terms of wheat.
c. It was very difficult to store goods, especially perishable goods (fruits, meat, etc.) for the purpose of value storage. Money serves this purpose.

4. The contractual or future payments are much difficult to make in the barter system. For example, a worker working on contract basis could not be paid in terms of rice or chairs.


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Money and Banking.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

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Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Macro Economics - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 1 , Question 2: What are the main functions of money? How does money overcome the shortcomings of a barter system?....