Final answer:
The gas present in the atmosphere of Venus that explains its high surface temperature is carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Step-by-step explanation:
The gas present in the atmosphere of Venus that explains its high surface temperature is carbon dioxide (CO₂). The atmosphere of Venus is composed of 96% CO₂. This high concentration of CO₂ creates a greenhouse effect, trapping heat and causing the surface temperature to rise to over 700 K.