Which of the following correctly compares the planets Venus and Mercury?(1 point) Responses 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 rocky planets, but only Venus spins in the same direction that Earth does. Both are rocky planets, but only Venus spins in the same direction that Earth does. Both are small planets, but Venus is hotter. Both are small planets, but Venus is hotter. Both are hot planets, but only Mercury is larger than Earth.

Answer 1

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

To elaborate:

• Both Venus and Mercury are indeed rocky planets.
• Venus rotates on its axis in the same direction as Earth (counterclockwise), while Mercury has a very slow and retrograde rotation, which is different from Earth.
• Mercury does not have a significant atmosphere, while Venus has a thick atmosphere.
• Venus is generally hotter than Mercury due to its thick atmosphere trapping heat, despite Mercury being closer to the Sun.
• Venus is larger than Mercury, contrary to the last statement.

So the most accurate comparison is about their rotation and that both are rocky planets.