Final answer:
For a commodity to function effectively as money, it needs to be easily standardized, hard to carry around, durable, and not deteriorate quickly. Making change is not a defining characteristic of money.
Step-by-step explanation:
To function effectively as money, a commodity must have certain characteristics:
- Easily standardized: This means that the commodity can be easily divided into smaller units and each unit has the same value. For example, if a commodity is easily divisible into smaller units like coins or bills, it becomes easier to ascertain its value.
- Hard to carry around: Money needs to be portable, which means it should be easy to carry and transport. For example, coins or paper currency can be easily carried in a purse or wallet.
- Durable: Money should be able to withstand wear and tear over time. For example, coins made of metal or paper currency made of durable materials can last longer.
- Difficult to make change: This characteristic is not necessary for a commodity to function effectively as money. Making change might be a challenge in some cases, but it is not a defining feature of money.
- Does not deteriorate quickly: Money should not deteriorate quickly so that its supply does not become too large. For example, if money were to deteriorate quickly, it would lose its value over time.