Question

Consider the economies of Hermes and Gobbledigook, both of which produce gobs of goo using only tools and workers. Suppose that, during the course of 20 years, the level of physical capital per worker rises by 4 tools per worker in each economy, but the size of each labor force remains the same. Complete the following tables by entering productivity (in terms of output per worker) for each economy in 2016 and 2036.

Year Hermes
Physical Capital Labor Force Output Productivity
(Tools per worker) (Workers) (Gobs of goo) (Gobs per worker)
2016 11 30 3,000
2036 15 30 3,600
Year Gobbledigook
Physical Capital Labor Force Output Productivity
(Tools per worker) (Workers) (Gobs of goo) (Gobs per worker)
2016 8 30 2,400
2036 12 30 3,600
Initially, the number of tools per worker was higher in Hermes than in Gobbledigook. From 2016 to 2036, capital per worker rises by 4 units in each country. The 4-unit change in capital per worker causes productivity in Hermes to rise by a_______ amount than productivity in Gobbledigook. This illustrates the effect_______which makes it______for countries with low output to catch up to those with higher output.

Answer 1

Hermes

Productivity (Gobs per worker)

2016 100

2036 120

Gobbledigook

Productivity

(Gobs per worker)

2016 80

2036 120

Initially, the number of tools per worker was higher in Hermes than in Gobbledigook. From 2016 to 2036, capital per worker rises by 4 units in each country. The 4-unit change in capital per worker causes productivity in Hermes to rise by a SMALLER amount than productivity in Gobbledigook. This illustrates the effect OF CATCH UP which makes it POSSIBLE for countries with low output to catch up to those with higher output.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hermes

Year Physical Capital Labor Force Output Productivity

(Tools per worker) (Workers) (Gobs of goo) (Gobs per worker)

2016 11 30 3,000 3,000/30=100

2036 15 30 3,600 3,600/30=120

Gobbledigook

Year Physical Capital Labor Force Output Productivity

(Tools per worker) (Workers) (Gobs of goo) (Gobs per worker)

2016 8 30 2,400 2,400/30=80

2036 12 30 3,600 3,600/30=120

Initially, the number of tools per worker was higher in Hermes than in Gobbledigook. From 2016 to 2036, capital per worker rises by 4 units in each country. The 4-unit change in capital per worker causes productivity in Hermes to rise by a SMALLER amount than productivity in Gobbledigook. This illustrates the effect of CATCH UP which makes it POSSIBLE for countries with low output to catch up to those with higher output.