When using a PPF, growth is defined as an increase in potential output over time, and illustrated by an outward shift in the curve.  An outward shift of a PPF means that an economy has increased its capacity to produce all goods.

PPC and Maximum Production Capacity

The Production Possibility Curve (PPC) is a graphical representation of the different combinations of two goods that a nation can produce using its resources and technology. The PPC indicates the maximum production capacity of an economy because:

1. Efficiency

The PPC assumes that the economy is producing efficiently, which means that all resources are being utilized to their full potential. Therefore, any point on the PPC represents the maximum output that the economy can produce with its existing resources and technology.

2. Scarce Resources

The PPC shows the trade-offs that the economy has to make between producing two goods. Since resources are scarce, the economy has to choose between producing one good at the expense of the other. Therefore, any point inside the PPC represents an underutilization of resources, and any point outside the PPC is unattainable given the current resources and technology.

3. Opportunity Cost

The PPC also shows the opportunity cost of producing one good over the other. The opportunity cost is the value of the next best alternative that is forgone. Therefore, the slope of the PPC represents the opportunity cost of producing one good in terms of the other. The steeper the slope, the higher the opportunity cost.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the PPC indicates the maximum production capacity of an economy because it shows the different combinations of two goods that a nation can produce using its resources and technology while assuming that the economy is producing efficiently, resources are scarce, and there is an opportunity cost to producing one good over the other.