Suppose a Negative Externality Exists in a Market

question 169

Multiple Choice

Suppose a negative externality exists in a market.If transactions costs are low and parties are willing to bargain, then, according to the Coase theorem,

• A)an efficient solution can be reached only if property rights are assigned to the victims of the pollution.
• B)an efficient solution can be reached only if property rights are assigned to the polluters.
• C)an efficient solution can be reached regardless of the initial assignment of property rights.
• D)government intervention is critical to reach an efficient solution.

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Definitions:

Barriers to Entry

Factors that prevent or impede the ability of a new competitor to enter an industry and compete with existing firms.

Price Differences

Variations in the cost of goods or services, often arising from factors like geographical location, demand, or manufacturing costs.

Market Demand

The total demand for a product or service within a market, summing up the individual demands of all potential buyers.

Purely Competitive Industry

An industry characterized by many buyers and sellers, free entry and exit, and a product that is homogeneous, leading to the establishments of a market price for all participants.