Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Second planet from the Sun
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Remembering the order of planets around the Sun is a basic astronomy skill. This question asks where Venus is located in that order, counting from the Sun outward.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The correct order of planets from the Sun is: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. Mercury is the closest, so it is first. Venus comes next, making it the second planet. Earth is third, Mars is fourth, and so on. Therefore, Venus is correctly described as the second planet from the Sun.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Any standard solar system diagram shows Mercury in the orbit closest to the Sun and Venus in the next orbit outward. Educational posters and models consistently present Venus as the second orbit. This visual evidence agrees with the textbook order and confirms that Venus is the second planet from the Sun.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes confuse the inner rocky planets with each other or mix up their order. A simple memory is that Mercury and Venus are the two closest planets, with Earth following as third. Once you fix these three positions, it is easier to avoid mistakes in questions like this.
Final Answer:
Second planet from the Sun
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