Astronomy Practice Exam

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Which of the following planets is known as the hottest in our solar system?

Mercury
Earth
Venus
Jupiter

The correct answer is: Venus

Venus is known as the hottest planet in our solar system primarily due to its thick atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide, coupled with clouds of sulfuric acid. This atmosphere creates a strong greenhouse effect, trapping heat and leading to surface temperatures that average around 465 degrees Celsius (about 900 degrees Fahrenheit). Despite Mercury being closer to the Sun, it doesn't retain heat effectively because it has a very thin atmosphere. Consequently, it experiences extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night but lacks the consistent high temperatures found on Venus. Earth, while it is capable of supporting life and has a moderate climate, does not reach the extreme temperatures seen on Venus. Jupiter, being a gas giant, has a much lower effective surface temperature than Venus and is more known for its turbulent atmosphere. In summary, the intense greenhouse gases on Venus create a runaway effect that keeps its surface temperature much hotter than that of any other planet in the solar system, making it the hottest.