Question map
Which of the following statements relating to solar system is/are correct? 1. Venus and Uranus rotate opposite to the direction of rotation of Earth 2. Venus is the nearest planet to Earth Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct as most planets in the solar system rotate counter-clockwise (prograde), but Venus and Uranus exhibit retrograde rotation, spinning clockwise [1]. Venus rotates east to west, while Uranus has an extreme axial tilt of approximately 98°, causing it to rotate on its side in a retrograde manner. Statement 2 is also correct in the context of planetary proximity. While Mercury is the closest planet to Earth on average over time due to its small orbit, Venus is traditionally identified as Earth's nearest neighbor because it reaches the closest absolute distance to Earth (approximately 38-40 million km) during its orbital cycle. Venus is frequently referred to as Earth's 'twin' or 'sister planet' due to this proximity and similarities in size and mass [2]. Therefore, both statements are considered correct in standard astronomical descriptions.
Sources
- [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 2: The Solar System > 2.4. Planets > p. 25
- [2] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 2: The Earth's Crust > The Solar System > p. 2