[amp_mcq option1=”PSQR” option2=”QPRS” option3=”SQRP” option4=”SRPQ” correct=”option4″]
The correct answer is D. SRPQ.
The path of Venus lies inside the path of the Earth. This means that Venus can never be farther away from the Earth than the Sun is. When Venus is at its farthest from the Earth, it is 160 million miles away. This is much farther away than the Moon, which is only 238,900 miles away. No other body ever comes so near the Earth, with the exception of the Moon and an occasional comet or asteroid. This means that Venus is the closest planet to the Earth. When Venus is at its nearest to the Earth, it is only 26 million miles away. This is much closer than the Moon, which is only 238,900 miles away. With such a wide range between its greatest and least distances it is natural that at sometimes Venus appears much brighter than others. This is because Venus is a very reflective planet. When it is close to the Earth, it reflects more light towards the Earth, making it appear brighter. When it is far from the Earth, it reflects less light towards the Earth, making it appear dimmer. When at its brightest, it is easily seen with the naked aye in broad daylight. This is because Venus is a very bright planet. When it is close to the Earth and at its brightest, it can be seen even in broad daylight.
The other options are incorrect because they do not follow the logical order of events. For example, option A, PSQR, puts the sentence “When at its farthest from the Earth, Venus is 160 million miles away” before the sentence “The path of Venus lies inside the path of the Earth.” This is not the correct order of events, because Venus cannot be farther away from the Earth than the Sun is, which is what the first sentence states.