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

mcqeasy

The term "Nife" is historically used to describe which layer of the Earth?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe mantle made of Nickel and Ferrous minerals.
BThe core made of Nickel and Iron.
CThe lithosphere made of Nickel and Feldspar.
DThe crust made of Nitrogen and Iron.

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Solution

The correct option is The core made of Nickel and Iron..

Explanation

Historically, the internal structure of the Earth was classified based on chemical composition by Edward Suess. This classification divides the Earth into three concentric layers: Sial, Sima, and Nife.

Analysis

Nife is an acronym derived from the chemical symbols of the dominant elements found in this layer: Ni (Nickel) and Fe (Ferrum, the Latin name for Iron).
This composition describes the Core (also known as the Barysphere), which is the innermost layer of the Earth.
The presence of heavy metals like Nickel and Iron accounts for the core's extremely high density and is responsible for the Earth's magnetic field.
For comparison:
- Sial (Silica and Aluminium) refers to the upper continental crust.
- Sima (Silica and Magnesium) refers to the oceanic crust and lower crust.

Key Takeaway

Nife refers to the Earth's Core, signifying a composition dominated by Nickel and Iron.

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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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The correct option is The core made of Nickel and Iron..

Explanation

Analysis

Nife is an acronym derived from the chemical symbols of the dominant elements found in this layer: Ni (Nickel) and Fe (Ferrum, the Latin name for Iron).
This composition describes the Core (also known as the Barysphere), which is the innermost layer of the Earth.
The presence of heavy metals like Nickel and Iron accounts for the core's extremely high density and is responsible for the Earth's magnetic field.
For comparison:
- Sial (Silica and Aluminium) refers to the upper continental crust.
- Sima (Silica and Magnesium) refers to the oceanic crust and lower crust.

Key Takeaway

Nife refers to the Earth's Core, signifying a composition dominated by Nickel and Iron.