In a free market economy, the rationing of scarce goods is done principally by?

In a free market economy, the rationing of scarce goods is principally done by the price mechanism. The price of a good is determined by the forces of supply and demand in the market. When the supply of a good is limited and demand for it is high, the price of that good will increase. This higher price will serve as an incentive for producers to increase their supply of the good, and for consumers to reduce their demand for it. As a result, the scarce good will be rationed among consumers based on their willingness to pay the higher price. This process occurs naturally without the need for government intervention or control, and is a key feature of a free market economy.