Final answer:
The unattainable points on a production possibilities frontier (PPF) are the points outside the PPF curve, as they represent combinations of goods and services that cannot be produced with the available resources and technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The unattainable points in a production possibilities frontier (PPF) are those that lie outside the actual curve of the frontier itself. The PPF graphically depicts the various combinations of goods and services that a society can produce given its available resources and technology.
Points within the PPF represent combinations of goods and services that are attainable but inefficient, as they do not use all of the society's resources to their fullest potential. The points on the PPF represent the most efficient production points where society fully utilizes its resources. In contrast, points outside the PPF are unattainable given the current state of resources and technology. Therefore, the correct option for unattainable points on the PPF is (d) the points outside the production possibilities frontier.
To enhance understanding, imagine the PPF for a student with a fixed amount of time who must choose between dedicating time to math homework or English homework. Points on the PPF would represent the maximum potential combinations of math and English homework that the student could complete using all available time efficiently. Points within the curve would suggest that time is not being used to its full potential, while points beyond the curve would be unachievable since the student cannot create more time.
This concept can be extrapolated to economics, where society's choices are limited by resources and technology, hence making choices outside the PPF unattainable without economic growth or technological advancements.