Question

Suppose that policymakers are considering placing a tax on either of two markets. In Market A, the tax will have a significant effect on the price consumers pay, but it will not affect equilibrium quantity very much. In Market B, the same tax will have only a small effect on the price consumers pay, but it will have a large effect on the equilibrium quantity. Other factors are held constant. In which market will the tax have a larger deadweight loss?

a. Market A
b. Market B
c. The deadweight loss will be the same in both markets.
d. There is not enough information to answer the question.

Answer 1

The answer is: B) Market B

Step-by-step explanation:

Deadweight loss refers to an economic loss caused by market inefficiencies.

Market inefficiencies occur when supply and demand are not in equilibrium. In market A, the tax will barely affect the equilibrium quantity, so the deadweight loss will not be as large as in market B where the equilibrium quantity will be severely affected.