Learn Mode

Externalities in Economics Quiz

#1

Which of the following is an example of a negative externality?

A factory polluting a nearby river.
Explanation

Negative externality involves harming third parties, like pollution.

#2

Which of the following is an example of a positive externality?

A person receiving vaccinations and contributing to herd immunity.
Explanation

Positive externality includes benefits to third parties, like herd immunity from vaccinations.

#3

Which of the following is a solution to address negative externalities?

Taxation or regulation to internalize the externality.
Explanation

Solutions for negative externalities include taxation or regulation to internalize costs.

#4

How does a negative externality affect the quantity and price of a good in the market?

It decreases quantity and raises price.
Explanation

Negative externality reduces quantity and raises prices in the market.

#5

What is the concept of 'social cost' in the context of externalities?

The total cost of producing a good or service, including external costs.
Explanation

Social cost includes all costs associated with producing a good or service, including external costs.

#6

Which of the following best defines an externality in economics?

A cost or benefit that affects a party who did not choose to incur that cost or benefit.
Explanation

An externality involves an impact on a third party not involved in the transaction.

#7

How does a positive externality affect the market?

It shifts the demand curve to the right.
Explanation

Positive externality increases demand, shifting the demand curve rightward.

#8

What is the difference between a positive externality and a negative externality?

Positive externalities benefit third parties, while negative externalities harm them.
Explanation

Positive externality benefits third parties, while negative externality harms them.

#9

In the context of externalities, what is a public good?

A good that is both non-excludable and non-rivalrous in consumption.
Explanation

Public goods are non-excludable and non-rivalrous, like national defense.

#10

What is an example of a consumption externality?

A person smoking in a public area.
Explanation

Consumption externality involves impacts on third parties from consumption, like secondhand smoke.

#11

Which of the following statements best describes a market failure?

When the market fails to allocate resources efficiently due to externalities.
Explanation

Market failure happens when the market doesn't allocate resources efficiently, often due to externalities.

#12

What is the Coase theorem?

It suggests that with well-defined property rights and zero transaction costs, parties can bargain to solve externality problems.
Explanation

Coase theorem implies parties can negotiate to solve externalities with clear property rights.

#13

What is the tragedy of the commons?

A situation where individuals overuse or deplete a shared resource.
Explanation

Tragedy of the commons occurs when individuals exploit shared resources for personal gain, leading to depletion.

#14

What is the difference between a pecuniary externality and a technological externality?

Pecuniary externalities involve monetary transactions, while technological externalities involve technological innovations.
Explanation

Pecuniary externalities involve monetary transactions, while technological externalities involve innovations.

#15

What is the tragedy of the anticommons?

A situation where too many individuals have the right to exclude others from a resource.
Explanation

Tragedy of the anticommons occurs when excessive rights to exclude others lead to underutilization of resources.

#16

What is the key difference between internalizing an externality through Pigouvian taxation and through the Coase theorem?

Pigouvian taxation requires government intervention, while the Coase theorem relies on private negotiation.
Explanation

Pigouvian taxation involves government intervention, whereas the Coase theorem relies on private negotiations.

#17

What is the difference between a positional externality and a technological externality?

Positional externalities are related to the location of economic activities, while technological externalities are related to advancements in production techniques.
Explanation

Positional externalities involve location impacts, while technological ones involve advancements in production.

Test Your Knowledge

Craft your ideal quiz experience by specifying the number of questions and the difficulty level you desire. Dive in and test your knowledge - we have the perfect quiz waiting for you!