1. the hypothesis that explains the release of energy during an earthquake is called the
richter hypothesis
moment magnitude hypothesis
vibration hypothesis
elastic rebound hypothesis
2. most earthquakes are produced by the rapid release of which kind of energy stored in rock subjected to great forces?
chemical
thermal
elastic
mechanical

The answers are D and C, respectively.

Elastic Rebound theory was the first theory to explain earthquakes. It says that most earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy that was stored. Elastic rebound theory is referred to as the accumulation and sudden release of strain and stress.

Elastic Energy is stored potential mechanical energy. It occurs in objects that are compressed and stressed. It is this energy that is suddenly released by the slabs of Earth's crust that results in an earthquake.