Question

Suppose that smoking creates a negative externality. If the government does not interfere in the cigarette market, then a. the equilibrium quantity of cigarettes smoked will equal the socially optimal quantity of cigarettes smoked. b. the equilibrium quantity of cigarettes smoked will be greater than the socially optimal quantity of cigarettes smoked. c. the equilibrium quantity of cigarettes smoked will be less than the socially optimal quantity of cigarettes smoked. d. There is not enough information to answer the question.

Answer 1

b. the equilibrium quantity of cigarettes smoked will be greater than the socially optimal quantity of cigarettes smoked.

Step-by-step explanation:

A negative externality occurs when the costs of economic activities to third parties not involved in economic activities are greater than the benefits.

Negative externality are usually overproduced in the economy. so, the equilibrium quantity of cigarettes smoked will be greater than the socially optimal quantity of cigarettes smoked.