4. The catch-up effect
Consider the economies of Blahnik and Tralfamadore, both of which produce glops of gloop using only tools and workers. Suppose that, during the course of 10 years, the level of physical capital per worker rises by 4 tools per worker in each economy, but the size of each labor force remains the same.
Complete the following tables by entering productivity (in terms of output per worker) for each economy in 2017 and 2027.
Year |
Blahnik |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Physical Capital |
Labor Force |
Output |
Productivity |
|
(Tools per worker) |
(Workers) |
(Glops of gloop) |
(Glops per worker) |
|
2017 | 8 | 40 | 3,600 | |
2027 | 12 | 40 | 4,320 |
Year |
Tralfamadore |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Physical Capital |
Labor Force |
Output |
Productivity |
|
(Tools per worker) |
(Workers) |
(Glops of gloop) |
(Glops per worker) |
|
2017 | 5 | 40 | 2,800 | |
2027 | 9 | 40 | 4,240 |
Initially, the number of tools per worker was higher in Blahnik than in Tralfamadore. From 2017 to 2027, capital per worker rises by 4 units in each country. The 4-unit change in capital per worker causes productivity in Blahnik to rise by a amount than productivity in Tralfamadore. This illustrates the effect.
Get Answers For Free
Most questions answered within 1 hours.