Suppose That Smoking Creates a Negative Externality

question 184

Multiple Choice

Suppose that smoking creates a negative externality. If the government imposes a per-cigarette tax equal to the per-cigarette externality, then

• A)the after-tax equilibrium quantity of cigarettes smoked will be less than the socially optimal quantity of cigarettes smoked.
• B)the after-tax equilibrium quantity of cigarettes smoked will be greater than the socially optimal quantity of cigarettes smoked.
• C)the after-tax equilibrium quantity of cigarettes smoked will equal the socially optimal quantity of cigarettes smoked.
• D)There is not enough information to answer the question.

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Definitions:

Total Variable Cost

The sum of all costs that vary with the level of output, including materials and labor directly involved in production.

Output

The quantity of goods or services produced in a given period by a firm, industry, or country.

Total Cost

The combined amount of all expenses and costs associated with the production and sale of a good or service.

Average Total Cost

The total cost of production divided by the number of goods produced, representing the cost per unit of output.