Final answer:
Mercury's surface temperature differs greatly from Earth's due to its proximity to the Sun and lack of atmosphere. It can be extremely hot during the day and cold during the night. In contrast, Earth's surface temperature is more stable due to the greenhouse effect caused by its atmosphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mercury is different from Earth in terms of its surface temperature and characteristics. Because Mercury is very close to the Sun and has no appreciable atmosphere, its surface temperature can reach up to 700 K (430 °C) during daylight hours, making it extremely hot. However, during the long nights when there is no sunlight, the temperature drops significantly to around 100 K (-170 °C), resulting in a large difference in temperature on the planet.
In contrast, Earth has a relatively stable surface temperature range between the freezing and boiling points of water. This is due to Earth's atmospheric insulation, or the greenhouse effect, which helps regulate the temperature. Earth's atmosphere contains gases that trap heat and prevent it from escaping into space, keeping the planet's surface temperature suitable for life.