Step 1: Understand the nature of the transaction. The purchase of supplies on credit means the company is acquiring supplies but has not yet paid for them. This creates a liability (Accounts Payable) and increases the asset (Supplies).
Step 2: Recall the rules of debits and credits. Assets increase with debits and liabilities increase with credits. Since Supplies is an asset account, it will be debited, and Accounts Payable, a liability account, will be credited.
Step 3: Analyze the incorrect options provided. For example, 'Debit Cash \$1,000; Credit Supplies \$1,000' is incorrect because cash is not involved in this transaction. Similarly, 'Debit Accounts Payable \$1,000; Credit Supplies \$1,000' reverses the correct accounts, and 'Debit Supplies Expense \$1,000; Credit Cash \$1,000' incorrectly treats the purchase as an expense and involves cash.
Step 4: Write the correct journal entry. The correct entry is: Debit Supplies \$1,000; Credit Accounts Payable \$1,000. This reflects the increase in supplies and the liability created by purchasing on credit.
Step 5: Confirm the date of the transaction. Since the purchase occurred on December 31, ensure the journal entry is recorded with this date to accurately reflect the timing of the transaction in the accounting records.