Question:

“Both physical capital and human capital depreciate with time, but the nature of depreciation differs between the two.”

Do you agree with the given statement ? State and discuss valid reasons in support of your answer.

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Agree. Physical capital wears out and becomes obsolete, while human capital depreciates with age but can be kept up through investment in education and health.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: State the position:
Yes, we agree with the statement. Both kinds of capital lose value over time, but the way they lose it is different.

Step 2: Depreciation of physical capital:
Machines and buildings suffer wear and tear with continuous use.
A change in technology also makes them obsolete, even if they are still working.
Once obsolete, physical capital cannot be revived and has to be replaced.

Step 3: Depreciation of human capital:
Human capital depreciates mainly with ageing.
This loss can be reduced to a large extent through continuous investment in education, health and training.
Such investment also helps people cope with new technology.

Step 4: Compare the two:
Physical capital cannot adjust to a change in technology, but human capital can learn and adapt.
So the nature of depreciation differs, and the statement is correct.

Final Answer:
We agree. Physical capital depreciates through wear and tear and obsolescence and cannot adapt, while human capital depreciates with ageing but can be renewed through investment in education and health.
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