Practice A.2.1 Water and electrolyte balance with authentic IB Sports, exercise and health science (SEHS) exam questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank mirrors Paper 1A, 1B, 2 structure, covering key topics like core principles, advanced applications, and practical problem-solving. Get instant solutions, detailed explanations, and build exam confidence with questions in the style of IB examiners.
Paper
Level
Question 1
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
State two functions of potassium in exercise physiology.
2.[2]
Identify two consequences of excessive water intake without electrolyte replacement.
3.[3]
Describe the process of osmoregulation during prolonged exercise.
4.[4]
Explain how thermoregulation is influenced by hydration status.
5.[4]
Outline two adaptations in trained endurance athletes that improve fluid and electrolyte efficiency.
6.[5]
Discuss the physiological effects of chronic dehydration on athletic performance and recovery.
Question 2
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
State one function of water in the human body and one way it is lost.
2.[2]
Identify two symptoms of mild dehydration.
3.[3]
Describe how electrolytes contribute to hydration balance.
4.[4]
Explain four ways the body responds to fluid loss during exercise.
5.[4]
Outline how dehydration affects aerobic performance.
6.[5]
Discuss the importance of maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance during prolonged physical activity.
Question 3
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
Identify two causes of fluid loss during exercise
2.[2]
State two effects of hyponatremia.
3.[3]
Describe three functions of water during physical activity.
4.[4]
Explain how fluid replacement strategies can prevent performance decline in endurance events.
5.[4]
Outline the roles of sodium and potassium in regulating hydration status.
6.[5]
Discuss how hydration needs vary depending on environmental conditions and exercise intensity.
Question 4
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
State two roles of fats in the body.
2.[2]
Identify two nutrient-dense sources of carbohydrates.
3.[3]
Describe the importance of post-exercise carbohydrate intake.
4.[4]
Explain how glycogen is stored and used during prolonged activity.
5.[4]
Explain consequences of poor macronutrient distribution for athletic performance.
6.[5]
Discuss the relationship between macronutrient timing and recovery.
Question 5
SLPaper 1A
Refer to the urine color chart. If an athlete’s urine consistently matches color D, what does this suggest about their hydration status?
Question 6
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
State two factors that influence an individual's daily energy needs.
2.[2]
Identify two types of energy-dense foods.
3.[3]
Describe how under-fueling affects performance and recovery.
4.[4]
Explain how protein and carbohydrate intake work together in post-exercise recovery.
5.[4]
Outline the benefits of a pre-exercise meal in performance sports.
6.[5]
Discuss the long-term risks of chronic energy imbalance in athletes.
Question 7
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
Identify the three macronutrients.
2.[2]
State two sources of dietary fat.
3.[3]
Describe how carbohydrates are used during high-intensity exercise.
4.[4]
Explain the role of protein in recovery after resistance training.
5.[4]
Outline the process and benefit of carbohydrate loading for athletes.
6.[5]
Discuss the energy system contributions during a 1500 m middle-distance race.
Question 8
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
Identify two energy systems used during exercise.
2.[2]
State one characteristic of the ATP-PC system and one of the aerobic system.
3.[3]
Describe how carbohydrates are utilized differently during aerobic and anaerobic exercise.
4.[4]
Explain the contribution of the lactic acid system during a 400 m sprint.
5.[4]
Outline how balanced macronutrient intake supports sports performance.
6.[5]
Discuss the interplay of energy systems during a 1500 m middle-distance race.
Question 9
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
Identify two by-products of aerobic metabolism.
2.[2]
State two reasons why carbohydrate intake is prioritized over fat during high-intensity exercise.
3.[3]
Describe how energy availability influences hormonal function in endurance athletes.
4.[4]
Explain how macronutrient needs vary between power athletes and endurance athletes.
5.[4]
Outline the role of nutrition periodization in optimizing competition performance.
6.[5]
Discuss the combined use of the aerobic and anaerobic systems in sports requiring intermittent bursts of activity, such as basketball or hockey.
Question 10
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
State two sources of dietary electrolytes.
2.[2]
Identify two factors that influence sweat rate.
3.[3]
Describe the importance of fluid intake before exercise.
4.[4]
Explain two ways the body conserves water during exercise.
5.[4]
Outline how electrolyte replacement improves recovery.
6.[5]
Discuss the importance of monitoring hydration status in competitive athletes.