Mercury: The Swiftest Planet

What is the primary reason Mercury is not the hottest planet in the solar system, despite being closest to the Sun?

• Mercury has a thin exosphere that doesn't trap heat.

• Mercury is farther from the Sun than Venus.

• Mercury has a dense atmosphere that traps heat.

• Mercury's surface is covered with ice.

How long does it take for Mercury to complete one orbit around the Sun?

• 88 Earth days

• 176 Earth days

• 59 Earth days

• 365 Earth days

What is the composition of Mercury's exosphere?

• Oxygen, sodium, hydrogen, helium, and potassium

• Carbon dioxide and nitrogen

• Methane and ammonia

• Water vapor and carbon monoxide

What is the temperature range on Mercury's surface?

• 800°F (430°C) during the day to -290°F (-180°C) at night

• 100°F (38°C) during the day to -100°F (-73°C) at night

• 500°F (260°C) during the day to -200°F (-129°C) at night

• 300°F (149°C) during the day to -300°F (-184°C) at night

Which of the following is a significant feature of Mercury's surface?

• Impact craters formed by meteoroid and comet collisions

• Volcanoes and lava flows

• Large oceans and seas

• Thick ice caps