What are the two most abundant gases in Venus's atmosphere?

The atmosphere of Venus is primarily composed of carbon dioxide, which makes up about 96.5% of its atmosphere, and nitrogen, which accounts for approximately 3.5%. This composition is crucial in understanding the greenhouse effect that contributes to Venus's extreme surface temperatures. The presence of such a high concentration of carbon dioxide results in a very effective greenhouse gas effect, trapping heat and leading to surface temperatures that can exceed 450 degrees Celsius (842 degrees Fahrenheit).

Nitrogen, while not a greenhouse gas itself, is the second most abundant gas and plays a stabilizing role in the atmosphere of Venus, providing the necessary pressure and supporting atmospheric circulation. In contrast, options mentioning gases like oxygen, water vapor, methane, and carbon monoxide do not accurately reflect the dominant composition of Venus's atmosphere. Thus, the correct identification of carbon dioxide and nitrogen as the most abundant gases is essential for grasping the atmospheric dynamics and conditions on Venus.