Suppose That Flu Shots Create a Positive Externality Equal to $8

question 262

Multiple Choice

Suppose that flu shots create a positive externality equal to $8 per shot. Further suppose that the government offers a $11-per-shot subsidy to producers. What is the relationship between the equilibrium quantity and the socially optimal quantity of flu shots produced?

• A)They are equal.
• B)The equilibrium quantity is greater than the socially optimal quantity.
• C)The equilibrium quantity is less than the socially optimal quantity.
• D)There is not enough information to answer the question.

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Definitions:

Market Price

The current price at which a good or service can be bought or sold, determined by supply and demand.

Diminishing Returns

A rule in economics that asserts once investments in a specific sector reach beyond a certain threshold, the returns on those investments will not keep rising if all other factors stay unchanged.

Marginal Costs

The additional cost incurred by producing one extra unit of a product or service, crucial for understanding economic efficiency and pricing.

Variable Costs

Expenses that vary directly with the level of production or output.