Which planet in the Solar System has the highest surface temperature, despite not being the closest planet to the Sun?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Venus
- Step 1: Venus possesses a dense atmosphere composed of roughly 96.5% carbon dioxide shrouded by thick clouds of sulfuric acid.
- Step 2: This creates an intense runaway greenhouse effect that traps solar thermal radiation, maintaining an average surface temperature of about 465 degrees Celsius (870 degrees Fahrenheit).
Answer
Venus
Why not the others: 'Mercury' Mercury is closest to the Sun but lacks an atmosphere to trap heat, leaving its night side freezing cold; 'Mars' Mars has a thin carbon dioxide atmosphere and an average surface temperature of around minus 60 degrees Celsius; 'Jupiter' Jupiter is a gas giant located much further from the Sun with frigid upper cloud decks.
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