Question

1\. Which of the following is an example of capital? (A) the owner of a startup company (B) a deposit of copper (C) a skilled plumber (D) a factory

Short answer

The correct option is (D) a factory, as it fits the definition of capital, being a physical asset used in the production of goods and services.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the options

By understanding the definition of capital, we can analyze each of the given options: (A) the owner of a startup company - This refers to a person, not an asset. This option is not capital. (B) a deposit of copper - This refers to a natural resource, which is not the same as capital. Copper can be used as an input in the production process, but it is not considered capital by itself. (C) a skilled plumber - This refers to a skilled worker, not an asset. Skilled labor is not the same as capital. (D) a factory - This refers to a physical asset that can be used in the production of goods and services.

Identify the correct option

By analyzing the options, we can conclude that only option (D) a factory, fits the definition of capital. A factory is a physical asset used in the production of goods and services. Therefore, the answer is (D) a factory.

Key concepts

Factors of Production

Understanding the factors of production is crucial in economics, as they are the building blocks of economic activity. In essence, they are the inputs used in the creation of goods or services in order to make an economic profit. The factors of production include land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship.

Land refers to all natural resources that are used to produce goods and services. Labor is the effort that people contribute to the production process. The term 'capital' in economics does not just mean money. Instead, it refers to physical assets like machinery, buildings, and tools that are used in the production process. Last but not least, entrepreneurship is the ability to bring the other factors together, to take risks and to innovate. Each of these components play a vital role in the productivity and the economic prosperity of a society.

Economic Resources

Economic resources are the assets that contribute to the production process and are divided into three categories: natural resources, human resources, and capital.

Natural resources are materials provided by the Earth that are used to produce goods, like minerals, forests, and water. Human resources, or human capital, involve the skills, knowledge, and labor provided by people. These are enhanced through education and experience. Physical capital, which includes manufactured assets such as buildings and machines, differs from financial capital which refers to funds provided by lenders and investors. Lastly, intangible assets such as patents, copyrights, and proprietary technology can be crucial economic resources. The efficient allocation of these resources is vital for the production of goods and services that meet the demand of consumers.

Goods and Services Production

The production of goods and services is the ultimate goal of using economic resources effectively. It involves combining the factors of production in various ways to create items that fulfill human wants or needs.

Goods are tangible products, like cars, clothing, and food, while services are intangible and include things like healthcare, entertainment, and education.

Stages of Production

At the core, there are three stages in production: primary (extraction and agriculture), secondary (manufacturing and processing), and tertiary (services). An efficient production process requires not only the right combination of factors but also an efficient use of technology and a conducive economic environment that encourages the production of quality goods and services. Optimizing this process is key to economic growth and consumer satisfaction.