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Question
Use the scenario to answer the question.

Scientists have discovered a new planet. The planet is in a solar system whose star is similar in size to the sun and is about as far from the star as Venus is from the sun. The planet is similar in size to Earth, and its atmosphere is similar in thickness to Earth’s atmosphere. The atmosphere is composed almost entirely of carbon dioxide and methane.

In three to five sentences, make a hypothesis about the temperature on the planet’s surface. Explain your answer using information about the planet’s location and atmosphere.

(4 points)

Short Answer Rubric (4 points)
Points Awarded Criteria
4
The answer is very clear.

The answer is fully supported by details.

There may be a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.

3
The answer is mostly clear.

The answer is supported by mostly relevant details.

There are a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.

2
The answer is somewhat clear.

Details are weak or not related.

There are some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.

1
The answer is not clear.

There are few or no supporting details.

There are many errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.

0 The question is not answered.
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Based on the information provided, a hypothesis about the temperature on the planet's surface could be that it would be extremely high. Since the planet is about the same distance from its star as Venus is from the sun, it is likely that the planet receives a similar amount of solar radiation. Additionally, the planet's atmosphere being composed mainly of carbon dioxide and methane, which are greenhouse gases, suggests that the atmosphere would trap heat, leading to even higher surface temperatures.

Based on the information provided, we can hypothesize that the temperature on the planet's surface would be extremely high. The planet's proximity to its star, similar to Venus's distance from the sun, suggests that it receives a significant amount of solar radiation. Additionally, the planet's atmosphere being composed mostly of carbon dioxide and methane, both greenhouse gases, would trap heat and contribute to a greenhouse effect, further increasing the temperature on the surface. Therefore, it can be inferred that the surface temperature on this new planet would be very hot.