Principles of Economics 2e
2nd Edition
ISBN: 9781947172364
Author: Steven A. Greenlaw; David Shapiro
Publisher: OpenStax
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Textbook Question
Chapter 1, Problem 1SCQ
What is scarcity? Can you think of two causes of scarcity?
Expert Solution & Answer
To determine
Definition of scarcity and its two causes.
Explanation of Solution
Scarcity is the basic economic problem and can also be considered as the fact of life. It is basically the gap between limitless human wants and limited available resources. Economic scarcity requires people to make decisions regarding the efficient utilization of resources, to satisfy their basic needs as possible.
Two major causes of scarcity:
1. Limited resources: All the resources including raw materials, land, tools, and labor are required to produce any type of goods or services, but they exist in limited supply only. This limitation is the basic economic problem that we face. Hence, we make trade-offs.
2. Limitless wants: Human wants can be considered virtually infinite, as we never get enough of what we want. It is the basic human nature that irrespective of the variety of goods and services we consume, we always want something else. And, this problem exists in all socioeconomic groups.
Hence, limited resources and limitless wants are the two basic causes of scarcity.
Economics Concept Introduction
Importance of Economics:
Economics is the study defining how businesses, societies, households, governments, and individuals allocate their scarce resources. It is not just about money, but more about making choices and decisions such as business decisions, societal decisions, family decisions or individual decisions keeping scarcity in mind.
Hence, the valuable knowledge gained through economics helps in making well-informed decisions concerned with the optimal distribution of resources in society.
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Chapter 1 Solutions
Principles of Economics 2e
Ch. 1 - What is scarcity? Can you think of two causes of...Ch. 1 - Residents of the town of Smithfield like to...Ch. 1 - A consultant works for 200 per hour. She likes to...Ch. 1 - A computer systems engineer could paint his house,...Ch. 1 - What would be another example of a system in the...Ch. 1 - Suppose we extend the circular flow model to add...Ch. 1 - What is an example of a problem in the world...Ch. 1 - The chapter defines private enterprise as a...Ch. 1 - Why might Belgium, France, Italy, and Sweden have...Ch. 1 - Give the three reasons that explain why the...
Ch. 1 - What are three reasons to study economics?Ch. 1 - What is the difference between microeconomics and...Ch. 1 - What are examples of individual economic agents?Ch. 1 - What are the three main goals of macroeconomics?Ch. 1 - How did John Mayhem Keynes define economics?Ch. 1 - Are households primarily buyers or sellers in the...Ch. 1 - Are firms primarily buyers or sellers in the goods...Ch. 1 - What are the three ways that societies can...Ch. 1 - What is globalization? How do you think it might...Ch. 1 - Suppose you have a team of two workers: one is a...Ch. 1 - Why would division of labor without trade not...Ch. 1 - Can you think of any examples of free goods, that...Ch. 1 - A balanced federal budget and a balance of trade...Ch. 1 - Macroeconomics is an aggregate of what happens at...Ch. 1 - Why is it unfair or meaningless to criticize a...Ch. 1 - Suppose, as an economist, you are asked to analyze...Ch. 1 - Why do you think that most modern countries...Ch. 1 - Can you think of ways that globalization has...
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