Pollution is an example of which of the following? Positive externality Negative externality Public good Private cost

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking us to identify the correct category for pollution. The options provided are: Positive externality, Negative externality, Public good, and Private cost.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />Let's define each of these terms:<br />- A positive externality is a benefit that is enjoyed by a third-party as a result of an economic transaction.<br />- A negative externality is a cost that is suffered by a third party as a result of an economic transaction.<br />- A public good is a product that one individual can consume without reducing its availability to others and from which no one is excluded.<br />- A private cost is a cost that affects the producer or consumer of a good or service.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Pollution is a cost that affects third parties, not just the producer or consumer of a good or service. This aligns with the definition of a negative externality.