Why is Venus the hottest solar system planet? (1 point)
COURSE TOOLS
• It has a core, a mantle, and a crust.
• It has abundance of nitrogen and oxygen gases
• Its atmosphere is rich in carbon dioxide gas.
• It is closest to the sun.
The correct answer is that Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system because its atmosphere is rich in carbon dioxide gas. This greenhouse gas traps a significant amount of heat from the sun, causing the temperature on Venus to reach extremely high levels. Its proximity to the sun is not the primary reason for its high temperature.
The correct answer is:
• Its atmosphere is rich in carbon dioxide gas.
Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system primarily because of its thick atmosphere. The atmosphere of Venus is composed mainly of carbon dioxide, which creates a strong greenhouse effect. This means that the carbon dioxide traps heat from the Sun, causing the surface temperature to rise to incredibly high levels. The dense atmosphere also prevents heat from escaping, leading to a greenhouse effect that makes Venus the hottest planet in our solar system.
To determine why Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system, we need to evaluate each of the given points and understand how they contribute to its high surface temperature.
1. Venus has a core, a mantle, and a crust:
While the presence of these layers is not directly responsible for Venus being the hottest planet, it does indicate Earth-like geologic activity. However, it does not directly contribute to the extreme temperatures observed on Venus.
2. Venus has an abundance of nitrogen and oxygen gases:
Although Venus does have small amounts of nitrogen and oxygen in its atmosphere, they are present in much smaller quantities compared to carbon dioxide. Therefore, the abundance of nitrogen and oxygen alone does not explain Venus' high temperatures.
3. Venus' atmosphere is rich in carbon dioxide gas:
This is a significant factor in Venus’ high temperature. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, which means it absorbs and retains heat from the sun. Venus has an extremely thick atmosphere, composed mainly of carbon dioxide, which traps heat like a blanket around the planet, causing a strong greenhouse effect. As a result, Venus experiences a runaway greenhouse effect, leading to incredibly high temperatures on its surface.
4. Venus is closest to the Sun:
Contrary to popular belief, Venus being the closest planet to the Sun is not the primary reason for its exceptionally high temperatures. Although it receives more solar radiation compared to other planets, the primary factor causing Venus' extreme heat is the greenhouse effect generated by its thick carbon dioxide atmosphere.
In summary, while Venus' core, mantle, and crust, as well as the presence of nitrogen and oxygen in its atmosphere, play a role in its overall composition, it is the planet’s thick carbon dioxide atmosphere that leads to the extreme temperatures observed on its surface.