In the sequence of planets moving outward from the Sun, Venus occupies which numbered position in our solar system?

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:

  • There are eight major planets in our solar system.
  • They follow a fixed order based on their distance from the Sun.
  • The question focuses on the position of Venus in this order.


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:

Step 1: Write down the planets in order: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. Step 2: Assign numbers starting from the Sun: Mercury is one, Venus is two, Earth is three, Mars is four. Step 3: Notice that Venus is clearly in the second position in this list. Step 4: Compare this with the options and select the one that states Venus is the second planet from the Sun. Step 5: Recognise that the other positional options belong to different planets, not Venus.


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:

  • Fourth planet is wrong because that position is taken by Mars.
  • Sixth planet is wrong because that position is taken by Saturn.
  • Eighth planet is wrong because Neptune is the eighth planet from the Sun.


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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