#1
Which of the following is a fixed cost in economics?
Rent for factory space
ExplanationA fixed cost in economics is one that remains constant regardless of the level of production, such as rent for factory space.
#2
What is the difference between explicit costs and implicit costs in economics?
Explicit costs are out-of-pocket expenses, while implicit costs are opportunity costs
ExplanationExplicit costs are tangible, monetary expenses, while implicit costs represent the opportunity costs associated with non-monetary sacrifices.
#3
What is the concept of a 'short run' in economics, particularly in the context of production and costs?
A time period where all inputs are fixed
ExplanationThe short run in economics refers to a time period during which certain inputs, like plant and equipment, remain fixed.
#4
What is the concept of 'diseconomies of scale' in economics?
Increase in average total cost as production increases
ExplanationDiseconomies of scale refer to the situation where average total cost increases as production levels rise.
#5
What is the primary purpose of the production function in economics?
To analyze the relationship between inputs and outputs
ExplanationThe production function in economics is used to analyze and understand the relationship between input factors and the resulting outputs.
#6
What is the formula for calculating average variable cost?
Total Variable Cost / Quantity
ExplanationAverage Variable Cost is calculated by dividing the Total Variable Cost by the quantity of output.
#7
In economics, what does the term 'economies of scale' refer to?
Decrease in average total cost as production increases
ExplanationEconomies of scale describe the cost advantage that arises when production increases, leading to a decrease in average total cost.
#8
In the short run, a firm's average total cost curve will be U-shaped due to the influence of which cost?
Variable cost
ExplanationIn the short run, the U-shaped average total cost curve is influenced by variable costs.
#9
What is the relationship between total cost and total variable cost in the long run?
Total cost is always equal to total variable cost
ExplanationIn the long run, total cost is equal to total variable cost as all costs become variable.
#10
Which of the following is an example of a variable cost in the production process?
Cost of raw materials
ExplanationVariable costs in production vary with the level of output, and the cost of raw materials is a classic example.
#11
In the long run, what happens to a firm's fixed costs as production increases?
Fixed costs remain constant
ExplanationIn the long run, fixed costs do not change with variations in production and remain constant.
#12
What is the relationship between marginal cost (MC) and average variable cost (AVC) at the point where AVC is minimized?
MC = AVC
ExplanationAt the point where average variable cost is minimized, marginal cost equals average variable cost.
#13
What is the concept of 'opportunity cost' in economics?
The cost of forgoing the next best alternative
ExplanationOpportunity cost refers to the value of the next best alternative foregone when a decision is made.
#14
What does the law of diminishing marginal returns state in relation to production and costs?
As production increases, marginal returns initially increase but then decline
ExplanationThe law of diminishing marginal returns states that as a firm increases production, the marginal returns initially rise but eventually decline.
#15
In the context of economic costs, what is the difference between accounting profit and economic profit?
Accounting profit includes explicit costs, while economic profit includes explicit and implicit costs
ExplanationAccounting profit considers only explicit costs, while economic profit includes both explicit and implicit costs.
#16
What is the relationship between average total cost (ATC) and marginal cost (MC) when ATC is at its minimum point?
MC = ATC
ExplanationAt the minimum point of average total cost, marginal cost equals average total cost.
#17
In the context of production and costs, what is the difference between explicit and implicit costs?
Explicit costs are always monetary, while implicit costs are non-monetary
ExplanationExplicit costs involve direct monetary expenses, whereas implicit costs are non-monetary and related to opportunity sacrifices.