Which of the following correctly compares the planets Venus and Mercury? (1 point)

Question

• Both are small planets, but Venus is hotter.
• Both are close to the sun, but only Mercury has an atmosphere.
• Both are hot planets, but only Mercury is larger than Earth.
• Both are rocky planets, but only Venus spins in the same direction that Earth does.

Answer 1

The correct comparison is: Both are rocky planets, but only Venus spins in the same direction that Earth does.

To elaborate:

• Venus and Mercury are both terrestrial (rocky) planets.
• Venus has a retrograde rotation, meaning it spins in the opposite direction to Earth, while Mercury rotates in the same direction as Earth (but very slowly).

Therefore, although they are rocky planets, the statement about Venus's rotation is accurate in the context presented. However, it's important to clarify that both planets are closer to the Sun, and neither one has a significant atmosphere.