Suppose every molecule of salt requires exactly one sodium atom, Na, and one chlorine atom, Cl. The production function that describes this is
A) Q = Na + Cl
B) Q = Na x Cl
C) Q = min(Na, Cl)
D) Q = max(Na, Cl)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The production of salt requires one sodium atom and one chlorine atom for each molecule of salt produced. The limiting factor for production will be whichever of the two atoms is present in the smallest amount. Therefore, the production function should be the minimum of Na and Cl. This means that the production of salt is limited by whichever atom is available in the smallest quantity.

Suppose Every Molecule of Salt Requires Exactly One Sodium Atom