Which of the following statements about temperature changes on Mercury is correct?

• A. Mercury experiences extreme temperature changes between day and night due to its lack of a significant atmosphere.
• B. Mercury's temperature is lower than that of any other planet in the solar system.
• C. Mercury's surface temperature remains nearly constant throughout its day and night cycle.
• D. Mercury has a thick atmosphere that moderates its temperature fluctuations.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of an atmosphere in regulating a planet's temperature. A thick atmosphere can trap heat and distribute it evenly, reducing temperature extremes between day and night.
2. Recall that Mercury has a very thin atmosphere, often called an exosphere, which is not substantial enough to retain heat or moderate temperature changes.
3. Recognize that because of this lack of a significant atmosphere, Mercury's surface heats up dramatically during the day when exposed to the Sun and cools down drastically at night.
4. Compare Mercury's temperature behavior with planets that have thick atmospheres, such as Earth or Venus, where temperature changes between day and night are less extreme.
5. Conclude that the correct statement is the one that attributes Mercury's extreme temperature changes to its lack of a significant atmosphere.