Order of planets from the Sun

Steps:

• Recall the inner planets: Mercury is first, closest to the Sun.
• Venus follows as the second closest.
• Earth is next, making it third.
• Mars is fourth, confirming Earth's position.

Why C is correct:

• By astronomical definition, planets are ordered by average distance from the Sun, placing Earth third after Mercury and Venus.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun.
• B: Venus is the second closest planet to the Sun.
• D: Mars is the fourth closest planet to the Sun.

Final answer: C