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In terms of average surface temperature, which planet in our solar system is considered the hottest?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Venus

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question is from basic planetary science. Many learners assume that the closest planet to the Sun will always be the hottest, but in our solar system this is not true. The question asks which planet has the highest average surface temperature.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun.
  • Venus is the second planet from the Sun and has a very dense atmosphere.
  • Mars is farther from the Sun and has a thin atmosphere.
  • Neptune is one of the outermost planets and very far from the Sun.


Concept / Approach:
The key idea is the greenhouse effect. Venus has a very thick atmosphere rich in carbon dioxide and clouds of sulphuric acid, which trap heat. As a result, its surface temperature is extremely high and nearly uniform, making it hotter on average than Mercury, even though Mercury is closer to the Sun. Mars and Neptune are much colder. Therefore, the correct answer is Venus.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Consider Mercury. It has no significant atmosphere, so its surface gets very hot during the day but cools rapidly at night. Its average temperature is high, but not as extreme as that of Venus. Step 2: Consider Venus. Thick clouds and high levels of carbon dioxide cause an intense greenhouse effect that traps solar radiation. This leads to very high, stable surface temperatures that exceed those on Mercury. Step 3: Consider Mars. It has a thin atmosphere and lies farther from the Sun, resulting in relatively low temperatures. Step 4: Consider Neptune. It is far from the Sun and therefore very cold, with very low surface and atmospheric temperatures. Step 5: Comparing all options, Venus clearly has the highest average surface temperature and is known as the hottest planet.


Verification / Alternative check:
Planetary data tables show that the average surface temperature on Venus is around several hundred degrees Celsius, higher than the maximum daytime temperature on Mercury. This supports the idea that atmospheric composition and greenhouse effect, not just distance from the Sun, determine average surface temperature.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Mercury is wrong because, despite being closer to the Sun, its lack of atmosphere prevents it from maintaining a higher average temperature than Venus.
  • Mars is wrong because it is much colder due to its distance from the Sun and thin atmosphere.
  • Neptune is wrong because it is one of the coldest planets, located at the outer edge of the solar system.


Common Pitfalls:
The main mistake is to select Mercury automatically, thinking that distance from the Sun alone determines temperature. The correct understanding is that a thick greenhouse atmosphere can trap heat and raise temperatures significantly. Venus is the classic example of a runaway greenhouse effect leading to extreme heat.


Final Answer:
Venus

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