Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Practice Test

What significant feature distinguishes Venus in terms of its atmospheric conditions?

1. Presence of water vapor

2. High levels of oxygen

3. Extremely dense carbon dioxide atmosphere

4. Abundant nitrogen in the atmosphere

The correct answer is: Extremely dense carbon dioxide atmosphere

The significant feature that distinguishes Venus in terms of its atmospheric conditions is its extremely dense carbon dioxide atmosphere. Venus's atmosphere is composed of about 96.5% carbon dioxide, which contributes to an intense greenhouse effect and results in surface temperatures that can exceed 800 degrees Fahrenheit (around 427 degrees Celsius). This dense atmosphere creates crushing pressures at the surface—over 90 times that of Earth’s atmosphere—making it one of the most extreme environments in the solar system. In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent distinguishing features of Venus's atmosphere. For example, while water vapor exists in the atmosphere of many celestial bodies, it is not a significant component of Venus's atmosphere, making the presence of water vapor less relevant in distinguishing its conditions. The levels of oxygen are also minimal on Venus, which is not significant enough to describe its atmospheric profile. On Earth, nitrogen is abundant, but it is only about 3% of Venus's atmosphere, which makes it far less relevant in distinguishing its unique atmospheric conditions when compared to the overwhelming presence of carbon dioxide.