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Graphical Representation of a Positive Externality

A positive externality is illustrated on a supply-and-demand graph where the marginal social benefit (MSB) curve lies above the marginal private benefit (MPB) curve, which is represented by the demand curve: MSB=MPB+MEBMSB = MPB + MEB where MEB is the marginal external benefit, shown as the vertical distance between the two curves. The market equilibrium occurs where the MPB curve intersects the supply curve (marginal social cost), producing a quantity below the socially optimal quantity, which is found where the MSB curve intersects the supply curve. The area bounded by the MSB and supply curves between these two quantities represents the deadweight loss from underproduction.

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Updated 2026-07-11

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