Free Goods Are Non-Scarce Resources

Steps:

• Recall that a free good in economics is a resource with unlimited supply, providing utility without cost or allocation decisions.
• Examine choices A–C: These involve scarce resources (vaccines, treatment, education) subsidized by institutions, not truly free.
• Examine choice D: It directly matches the definition by emphasizing utility without scarcity.
• Confirm D as the only option aligning with economic theory on free goods.

Why D is correct:

• Free goods, per economic definition, exist in abundance (not scarce) and yield utility without price or rationing, like air or sunlight.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Vaccinations use scarce medical resources, even if government-funded.
• B: Hospital treatment relies on limited staff and facilities, making it scarce.
• C: Education requires scarce teachers and infrastructure, despite scholarships.

Final answer: D