Question

a student claims mercury is the hottest planet because it is closest to the sun. which piece of evidence best disproves this claim? a venus reflects more sunlight than mercury. b venuss thick co₂ atmosphere traps heat, making it hotter than mercury. c mercury rotates slowly, making its nights longer and cooler. d mercury has a magnetic field that deflects heat.

Explanation:

Venus has a thick carbon - dioxide atmosphere which causes a strong greenhouse effect, trapping heat and making it hotter than Mercury despite Mercury being closer to the Sun. This directly disproves the claim that Mercury is the hottest planet just because it is closest to the Sun.

Answer:

B. Venus's thick CO₂ atmosphere traps heat, making it hotter than Mercury.