Final answer:
A cost that can be traced to a cost object is known as a c. direct cost. Direct costs are directly linked to specific products or services, differing from indirect costs, which are more generalized.
Step-by-step explanation:
A cost that can be traced to a cost object is known as a c. direct cost. Direct costs are specific expenses that can be directly tied to a particular product or service. In contrast, indirect costs cannot be directly linked to a single cost object and may be more generalized, such as utility expenses for a factory.
When looking at cost behavior, fixed costs are those that do not change with the level of production, such as rent or salaries, while variable costs fluctuate with production volume, like raw materials or direct labor. It's also important to recognize the difference between short run costs and long run costs in a business's financial considerations.