Why is Venus's atmosphere hotter than Mercury even though it is farther from the Sun? A) Venus has a thin atmosphere thus allowing more of Sun's radiation to enter. B) Venus contains water vapor in its atmosphere, which absorbs more heat. C) Venus contains 96 percent CO₂ resulting in very hot temperatures. D) Mars contains more CO₂ , which has a cooling effect on its atmosphere. E) Mercury has a hotter atmosphere because it is closer to the Sun than Venus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Venus's atmosphere is primarily composed of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a potent greenhouse gas. This traps heat from the Sun, leading to very high surface temperatures through the greenhouse effect.

Why Is Venus's Atmosphere Hotter Than Mercury Even Though It