The atmosphere of planet Venus is made up of thick white and yellowish clouds of:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. sulphuric acid.
- The atmosphere of Venus is made up of thick white and yellow clouds, which mainly consist of droplets of sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). These are produced when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and water vapor present in the atmosphere react under the influence of sunlight.
- Venus's atmosphere is composed primarily of carbon dioxide (about 96.5%), with smaller amounts of nitrogen and sulfur dioxide.
- The sulfuric acid clouds are extremely reflective, significantly enhancing the planet’s albedo or brightness.
- These thick cloud layers completely obscure the planet’s surface, making direct visual observation from space impossible.
- The clouds play a crucial role in Venus’s intense greenhouse effect, which drives surface temperatures up to approximately 475°C (900°F).
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It is one of the hottest planets in the solar system. Venus is often referred to as Earth's twin due to its similar size and composition, and it hosts numerous active volcanoes.
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Interestingly, Venus rotates very slowly and in the opposite direction to most other planets. It is also one of the brightest objects in the night sky, often visible to the naked eye, earning it the nickname “Evening Star.”