What is the primary component of Venus's atmosphere?

The primary component of Venus's atmosphere is carbon dioxide. This gas makes up about 96.5% of the atmosphere, creating an extremely heavy and dense environment that contributes significantly to the planet's intense greenhouse effect. The high concentration of carbon dioxide results in surface temperatures on Venus that can exceed 900 degrees Fahrenheit (475 degrees Celsius), making it the hottest planet in our solar system.

In contrast, while oxygen and nitrogen are significant components of Earth's atmosphere, they comprise much smaller percentages of Venus's atmosphere. Argon is present, but also in a minor capacity compared to carbon dioxide. Therefore, understanding the composition of Venus's atmosphere is crucial for studying its climate and surface conditions, making carbon dioxide the correct answer.