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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains why Venus is significantly hotter than Earth?
A
Venus has a thick atmosphere rich in carbon dioxide, leading to an extreme greenhouse effect.
B
Venus rotates much faster than Earth, causing higher surface temperatures.
C
Venus is closer to the Sun, so it receives more solar energy than Earth.
D
Venus has a larger core that generates more internal heat than Earth's core.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect occurs when certain gases in a planet's atmosphere trap heat from the Sun, preventing it from escaping back into space. This leads to an increase in surface temperature.
Step 2: Analyze the composition of Venus's atmosphere. Venus has a thick atmosphere that is primarily composed of carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is a potent greenhouse gas. This composition plays a key role in trapping heat and causing extreme temperatures.
Step 3: Compare Venus's proximity to the Sun with Earth's. While Venus is closer to the Sun than Earth, the difference in solar energy received is not sufficient to explain the extreme temperatures observed on Venus. The greenhouse effect is the dominant factor.
Step 4: Evaluate the rotation speed of Venus. Venus rotates very slowly compared to Earth, but rotation speed does not directly influence surface temperature in the way the greenhouse effect does.
Step 5: Consider the size of Venus's core. Venus's core size and internal heat generation are not significant contributors to its surface temperature compared to the impact of its thick CO₂-rich atmosphere and the resulting greenhouse effect.