Use the scenario to answer the 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.
1 answer
Based on the information provided, it can be hypothesized that the temperature on the planet's surface would be extremely high. This hypothesis is based on two factors. Firstly, the planet is located at a similar distance as Venus is from the sun, indicating that it is within the habitable zone where temperatures can support liquid water. However, the presence of a thick atmosphere composed mostly of carbon dioxide and methane suggests a strong greenhouse effect, trapping heat and resulting in higher temperatures on the planet's surface.