NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 2: Interior of the earth

mcqeasy

In seismology, the term hypocentre of an earthquake refers to which of the following?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe point where the energy is released.
BThe point on the surface directly above the focus.
CThe point where the seismograph is located.
DThe point of maximum damage.

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is The point where the energy is released..

Explanation

An earthquake is caused by a sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere, which generates seismic waves. Understanding the location of this energy release is fundamental to seismology.

Analysis of Terms:

Hypocentre (Focus): The point within the Earth where the fault rupture starts and the energy is released is called the Hypocentre or Focus. It is the actual source of the earthquake.
Epicentre: The point on the Earth's surface vertically directly above the Hypocentre is called the Epicentre. It is the first point on the surface to experience the seismic waves.
Seismograph Station: The location where the instrument (seismograph) is placed to record the waves is simply the recording station, not the source.

Key Takeaway:

The Hypocentre (Focus) is the internal point of origin, while the Epicentre is the corresponding point on the surface.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Interior of the earth

With reference to 'Body Waves', consider the following statements: 1. They are generated due to the release of energy at the focus. 2. They move only in a vertical direction towards the surface. 3. They interact with surface rocks to generate surface waves. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the 'Shadow Zone' of P-waves?

medium

With reference to the 'Mantle', consider the following statements: 1. The lower mantle is in a liquid state. 2. It extends from Moho's discontinuity to a depth of 2,900 km. 3. It has a lower density than that of the crust. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the 'Crust': 1. It is the innermost solid part of the earth. 2. It is brittle in nature. 3. Its thickness varies between oceanic and continental areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

With reference to the sources of information about the interior of the earth, consider the following statements: 1. Mining and drilling projects provide direct information about the earth's interior materials. 2. Meteors are considered a direct source of information because they originate from the earth's core. 3. Gravitation and magnetic fields are indirect sources of information. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

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The correct option is The point where the energy is released..

Explanation

An earthquake is caused by a sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere, which generates seismic waves. Understanding the location of this energy release is fundamental to seismology.

Analysis of Terms:

Hypocentre (Focus): The point within the Earth where the fault rupture starts and the energy is released is called the Hypocentre or Focus. It is the actual source of the earthquake.
Epicentre: The point on the Earth's surface vertically directly above the Hypocentre is called the Epicentre. It is the first point on the surface to experience the seismic waves.
Seismograph Station: The location where the instrument (seismograph) is placed to record the waves is simply the recording station, not the source.

Key Takeaway:

The Hypocentre (Focus) is the internal point of origin, while the Epicentre is the corresponding point on the surface.