Which of the following best explains why Mars' and Venus' surface temperatures vary, despite both planets having atmospheres
that contain mostly carbon dioxide? (1 point)
O Venus has a surface of high mountains which absorb heat.
O Venus has a thick atmosphere which blocks heat from the surface.
O Mars has a surface of red rocks and sand which reflect heat.
That's not funny....
Who's idea was to put a clown bot in the site? Idiots...
To determine the best explanation for the variation in surface temperatures between Mars and Venus, we need to consider the characteristics of each planet's atmosphere and surface.
For Venus, the statement "Venus has a thick atmosphere which blocks heat from the surface" provides a strong explanation. Venus has a dense atmosphere primarily composed of carbon dioxide, which creates a greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases trap heat in a planet's atmosphere, keeping it from escaping into space. In Venus' case, this greenhouse effect is amplified due to the high concentration of carbon dioxide, causing extremely high surface temperatures.
On the other hand, the statement "Mars has a surface of red rocks and sand which reflect heat" does not provide a sufficient explanation for the temperature variation. While it is true that Mars has a rocky and sandy surface, and these materials can reflect some sunlight, the primary factor influencing Mars' colder temperatures is its thin atmosphere. Mars has a sparse atmosphere compared to Venus, which limits its ability to trap heat, resulting in lower average surface temperatures.
Therefore, the most accurate explanation for the temperature variation between Mars and Venus is that Venus has a thick atmosphere which blocks heat from the surface.