Suppose There Are Three Power-Generating Plants, Each of Which Has

question 91

Multiple Choice

Suppose there are three power-generating plants, each of which has access to 5 different production processes. The table below summarizes the cost of each production process and the corresponding number of tons of smoke emitted each. $\begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|c|c|}\hline \text { Process } & \text { A } & \text { B } & \text { C } & \text { D } & \text { E } \\\text { (smoke/day) } & \text { (4 tons/day) } & \text { (3 tons/day) } & \text { (2 tons/day) } & (1 \text { ton/day) } & \text { (0 tons/day) } \\\hline \text { Cost to Firm } X(\$ / \text { day) } & \$ 500 & \$ 514 & \$ 530 & \$ 555 & \$ 585 \\\hline \text { Cost to Firm Y (\$/day) } & \$ 400 & \$ 420 & \$ 445 & \$ 480 & \$ 520 \\\hline \text { Cost to Firm Z(\$/day) } & \$ 300 & \$ 325 & \$ 360 & \$ 400 & \$ 550 \\\hline\end{array}$
For all three firms, the marginal cost of pollution abatement is:

• A)increasing
• B)decreasing
• C)constant
• D)decreasing and then increasing

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Definitions:

Technological Determinism

A theory of social change that assumes changes in technology drive changes in society, rather than vice versa.

Low-Carb Diet

A dietary plan that reduces carbohydrate intake in favor of proteins and fats, aimed at weight loss or health maintenance.

Paleo

Often associated with the Paleolithic diet, which is based on the presumed dietary patterns of ancient humans, emphasizing whole foods and limiting processed foods.

Unintended Consequences

Outcomes or effects that are not anticipated or intended, often as a result of an action or decision.