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Which of the following is not true about Public goods?

Solution

Correct Option: 4

Detailed Explanation:

Public goods are defined by two main economic characteristics: non-rivalry (one person's consumption doesn't reduce availability for others) and non-excludability (you cannot prevent people from using it).

Let's break down why "Available free to users" is the statement that is not true:

  • Available free to users (Not True): Public goods are not inherently free. While they may not have a direct price tag or a fee at the point of use (like walking on a public street), they are heavily funded through public taxation. Society as a whole pays for their creation and maintenance.
  • Benefits are available to all & Cannot exclude anyone (True): These directly describe non-excludability. For example, national defense or street lighting protects everyone in the area equally, regardless of whether a specific individual paid taxes or not.
  • May be produced by private sector (True): While public goods are typically financed by the government, the actual production can be outsourced to the private sector. For instance, a private construction company is often contracted to build a public highway or a lighthouse.

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