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

Question

Responses

Both are small planets, but Venus is hotter.
Both are small planets, but Venus is hotter.

Both are close to the sun, but only Mercury has an atmosphere.
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 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 rocky (terrestrial) planets.
• Venus spins on its axis in a retrograde rotation (opposite to most planets, including Earth), while Mercury rotates in the same direction as Earth but has a very slow rotation period.
• Venus is indeed hotter than Mercury despite being farther from the Sun due to its thick atmosphere and greenhouse gases. However, the particular statement regarding the direction does not compare size or atmospheric presence, which makes it the most accurate option offered.