📚 Learning Guide
Graphing Deadweight Loss
medium

Order the steps to analyze and graphically represent deadweight loss in a market affected by negative externalities.

Master this concept with our detailed explanation and step-by-step learning approach

Learning Path
Learning Path

Question & Answer
1
Understand Question
2
Review Options
3
Learn Explanation
4
Explore Topic

Choose the Best Answer

A

Identify the demand and supply curves.

B

Determine the socially efficient equilibrium quantity.

C

Calculate the deadweight loss triangle.

D

Find the current equilibrium quantity.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

To analyze and graph deadweight loss in a market with negative externalities, start by identifying the market in question and the negative externality involved, such as pollution from a factory. Next, draw the supply and demand curves on a graph, marking the equilibrium point where they intersect, which shows the market price and quantity without any externalities. Then, indicate the social cost curve, which reflects the true cost to society, and find the new equilibrium point that accounts for this cost. The deadweight loss is represented by the area between the original equilibrium quantity and the new quantity, illustrating the loss of economic efficiency due to the externality. For example, if a factory produces too much because it doesn’t pay for the pollution it creates, the area between the two curves shows the potential benefits lost to society.

Detailed Explanation

You start by finding the demand and supply curves. Other options are incorrect because Some might think you should find the socially efficient quantity first; Calculating the deadweight loss triangle seems important, but you can't do that without knowing the current market situation first.

Key Concepts

Deadweight Loss
Negative Externalities
Market Equilibrium
Topic

Graphing Deadweight Loss

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

Ready to Master More Topics?

Join thousands of students using Seekh's interactive learning platform to excel in their studies with personalized practice and detailed explanations.