Question

For each of the following examples, identify whether a positive or negative externality is present and whether there will be too little or too much of the activity relative to the socially optimal outcome.
A. Jerome has a beautifully landscaped front lawn with lots of colorful flowers. Landscaped lawns produce a externality. landscaped lawns exist relative to the socially efficient quantity.
B. Dave takes advantage of the low price of gas to purchase a sports utility vehicle. Sports utility vehicles generate a externality. sports utility vehicles are produced relative to the socially efficient quantity.
C. Susan decides to walk to work instead of driving. Walking to work creates a externality. walks to work exist relative to the socially efficient quantity.
D. Anita decides to smoke a cigarette while she is waiting at a busy bus stop. Cigarettes create a externality. cigarettes are produced relative to the socially efficient quantity.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Landscape lawns produce positive externality.

B. Sports vehicle generates a positive externality

C. Walk to work creates positive externality.

D. Cigarettes create a negative externality.

Explanation:

Positive externality occurs when society gets benefit from a persons act. Susan has created lawns near her house and there are beautiful flowers in the lawn. This will be relaxing for those who pass near by the lawns. There will be fresh air coming from the lawn and society will look pleasant.

Negative externality is one in which society is harmed by the act of a person. This happens when Anita smokes at a bus stop. There are other travelers who will be present at the bus stop might be harmed from the smoke which arises from the cigarette.