Question

In one hour, the United States can produce 25 tons of steel or 250 automobiles. In one hour,Japan can produce 30 tons of steel or 275 automobiles. This information implies that:
A.Japan has a comparative advantage in the production of automobiles.
B.the United States has an absolute advantage in the production of steel.
C.Japan has a comparative advantage in the production of both goods.
D.the United States has a comparative advantage in the production of automobiles.

Answer 1

Answer:

Option (D) is correct.

Explanation:

In United states:

Can produce 25 tons of steel or 250 automobiles,

Opportunity cost of producing a ton of steel = 250 ÷ 25

                                                                          = 10 automobiles

Opportunity cost of producing 1 automobile = 25 ÷ 250

                                                                         = 0.1 tons of steel

In Japan:

Can produce 30 tons of steel or 275 automobiles,

Opportunity cost of producing a ton of steel = 275 ÷ 30

                                                                          = 9.17 automobiles

Opportunity cost of producing 1 automobile = 30 ÷ 275

                                                                         = 0.11

Therefore,

United States has a comparative advantage in producing automobiles because the opportunity cost of producing automobiles is lower than the Japan.

Japan has a comparative advantage in producing steel because the opportunity cost of producing steel is lower than the United states.