Use the scenario to answer the question.

Question

Scientists have discovered a new planet. The planet is in a solar system whose star is similar in size to the sun and is about as far from the star as Venus is from the sun. The planet is similar in size to Earth, and its atmosphere is similar in thickness to Earth’s atmosphere. The atmosphere is composed almost entirely of carbon dioxide and methane.

In three to five sentences, make a hypothesis about the temperature on the planet’s surface. Explain your answer using information about the planet’s location and atmosphere.

(4 points)

Answer 1

Based on the information provided, it is likely that the planet's surface temperature is extremely high. This is because the planet is similar in size to Earth and located at a distance from its star similar to Venus is from the sun. Venus has a surface temperature of about 900 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the hottest planet in our solar system. Additionally, the planet's atmosphere is composed almost entirely of carbon dioxide and methane, both of which are greenhouse gases known for trapping heat and contributing to global warming. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that the combination of proximity to the star and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere would result in a very high surface temperature on the planet.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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