In: Economics
A paper mill discharges chemicals into a river which pollutes
the shores of a downstream resort area. The private marginal cost,
social marginal cost, and marginal benefit associated with the
production of paper are given by the following equations:
MCP = 5 + Q
MCS = 10 + 2Q
MB = 35 - 0.5Q
The marginal social cost at the competitive free-market equilibrium
is
a) 5
b) 25
c) 20
d) 10
e) 50
Ans)- given,
Private marginal cost (MCP) = 5 +Q
Social marginal cost (MCS) = 10+2Q
Marginal benefits (MB) = 35 -0.5Q
Competitive free-market equilibrium condition-
Private marginal cost (MCP) = Marginal benefits (MB)
5 +Q = 35 – 0.5Q
Q +0.5Q = 35 – 5
1.5Q = 30
[Q = 30/1.5 = 20]
Hence, the free market equilibrium output is 20 units.
Now,
Put, Q = 20 in social marginal cost function
MCS = 10 +2*20 = 50
Hence, here option ‘e’ is correct. i.e. The marginal social cost at the competitive free-market equilibrium is 50.