Practice B.2.2 Fluid mechanics 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]
Identify two scalar quantities related to motion.
2.[2]
State two types of forces that act on a body in motion.
3.[3]
Describe how Newton’s third law applies to swimming starts.
4.[4]
Explain the concept of impulse and how it affects sports performance.
5.[4]
Outline the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration in Newton’s second law.
6.[5]
Discuss the role of Newton’s laws in optimizing movement efficiency in athletic performance.
Question 2
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
Identify two forces acting on a projectile in motion.
2.[2]
State two features that affect fluid resistance in swimming.
3.[3]
Describe how velocity and surface area impact air resistance in running.
4.[4]
Explain how unbalanced forces result in acceleration or deceleration in sport.
5.[4]
Outline how center of mass affects balance during movement.
6.[5]
Discuss how force summation improves performance in actions like throwing or jumping.
Question 3
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
Identify two examples of angular motion in sport.
2.[2]
Define Newton’s third law of motion and provide a sporting example that demonstrates it.
3.[3]
Describe how levers are used in analyzing sports performance.
4.[4]
Explain how the magnus effect influences the flight of spinning balls.
5.[4]
Outline the key differences between linear, angular, and general motion.
6.[5]
Discuss how video and movement analysis software enhances biomechanical feedback.
Question 4
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
Identify two vector quantities used in movement analysis.
2.[2]
State two examples of linear motion in sport.
3.[3]
Describe how drag acts on a cyclist during competition.
4.[4]
Explain how changes in shape or surface area affect fluid resistance.
5.[4]
Outline how lift and drag forces interact in sports involving spinning balls.
6.[5]
Discuss how athletes can minimize resistance to improve performance in water or air-based sports.
Question 5
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
Identify three types of motion relevant in sports performance.
2.[2]
State three fluid forces acting on a moving object.
3.[4]
Describe the role of angular motion in spinning sports equipment.
4.[6]
Explain how linear and angular momentum interact during a complex movement like a backflip.
5.[6]
Discuss how an athlete’s understanding of fluid mechanics can influence equipment choice and technique in sports like cycling, swimming, or ski jumping.
Question 6
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
Identify two linear kinematic variables relevant to running performance.
2.[2]
State two ways to reduce air resistance in sprinting.
3.[2]
Describe how impulse relates to changes in momentum during contact sports.
4.[4]
Explain how each of Newton’s laws can be applied during a long jump take-off.
5.[4]
Outline how force-time graphs are used in performance analysis.
6.[6]
Discuss how biomechanical analysis of movement enables optimization of performance in dynamic sports environments.
Question 7
HLPaper 1A
Based on the airflow pattern shown, where would you expect the highest and lowest pressure zones around the ball?
Question 8
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
State Newton’s first law of motion.
2.[2]
Identify two sporting examples where Newton’s third law applies.
3.[3]
Describe how Newton’s second law explains acceleration in sport.
4.[4]
Explain how inertia can impact performance during direction changes.
5.[4]
Outline how each of Newton’s three laws applies to the start of a sprint race.
6.[5]
Discuss how athletes apply force effectively to maximize motion.
Question 9
SLPaper 1A
The table below shows the effect of launch angle on horizontal distance for a javelin throw (constant speed = 25 m/s).
| Launch Angle (°) | Distance (m) |
|---|---|
| 20 | 48.1 |
| 30 | 61.5 |
| 40 | 64.2 |
| 45 | 62.8 |
| 50 | 59.0 |
Based on the data, what factor most likely explains why 40° yields the greatest distance?
Question 10
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
State two phases of movement in a jump.
2.[2]
Identify two sports where fluid mechanics play a key role.
3.[3]
Describe three factors that influence the horizontal displacement of a projectile.
4.[4]
Explain the biomechanical importance of angular momentum during mid-air movement.
5.[4]
Outline the role of torque in rotational sports movements.
6.[5]
Discuss how applying biomechanical principles to movement can enhance athletic performance.