QUESTION 1
By 1993, nations in the European Union (EU) had eliminated all barriers to the flow of goods, services, labor, and capital across their borders. Even such things as consumer protection laws and the types of plugs required to plug in appliances have been standardized to ensure that there will be no barriers to trade. How do you think this elimination of trade barriers affected EU output?
QUESTION 2
Does the fact that something is abundant mean it is not scarce in the economic sense? Why or why not?
QUESTION 3
The nation of Leisureland can produce two goods, bicycles and bowling balls.
The western region of Leisureland can, if it devotes all its resources to bicycle production, produce 100 bicycles per month. Alternatively, it could devote all its resources to bowling balls and produce 400 per month-or it could produce any combination of bicycles and bowling balls lying on a straight line between these two extremes.
The eastern region of Leisureland can, if it devotes all its resources to bicycle production, produce 400 bicycles per month. Alternatively, it could devote all its resources to bowling balls and produce 100 per month-or it could produce any combination of bicycles and bowling balls lying on a straight line between these two extremes.
Respond to the following.
a) What it is the opportunity cost of producing an additional bowling ball measured in terms of forgone bicycles in western Leisureland?
b) What is the opportunity cost of producing an additional bowling ball measured in terms of forgone bicycles in eastern Leisureland?
c) Explain the difference in opportunity cost between western and eastern Leisureland. Which region has a comparative advantage in producing bowling balls? Bicycles?
d) Suppose it is determined that 400 bicycles must be produced. How many bowling balls can be produced?
e) Where will these goods be produced?