Question 1
Assume that price underestimates the value that society places on the flu vaccine. If firms produce where
P =
MC, firms will be producing
◦ the socially efficient amount of flu vaccine.
◦ more than the socially efficient amount of flu vaccine
◦ less than the socially efficient amount of flu vaccine.
◦ so that consumer surplus is zero.
Question 2
When resources are misallocated, or allocated inefficiently
◦ market failure occurs.
◦ then there must be external costs or benefits in production.
◦ then it must be the case that there is imperfect information in the market.
◦ then it must be the case that the good is a public good.