Which statement best describes the atmosphere of Venus?
A) Similar to Earth, it contains mostly nitrogen and oxygen.
B) Venus' atmosphere is high in carbon dioxide and considered a runaway greenhouse.
C) Venus has a negligible atmosphere.
D) Similar to Uranus, it contains mostly methane.
E) Similar to Mercury, it has a thin atmosphere high in carbon dioxide.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Venus' atmosphere is predominantly composed of carbon dioxide (about 96.5%), with nitrogen making up most of the remainder. This thick atmosphere results in a strong greenhouse effect, trapping heat and leading to surface temperatures hot enough to melt lead, around 465 degrees Celsius (869 degrees Fahrenheit). This condition is often referred to as a "runaway greenhouse" effect, making Venus the hottest planet in our solar system despite being the second planet from the Sun.

Which Statement Best Describes the Atmosphere of Venus