Practice B.2—Forces, motion and movement 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 1A
The graph shows vertical displacement of the center of mass over 1 second for two gymnastics skills. What biomechanical inference can be drawn from Skill B's center of mass trajectory compared to Skill A?
Question 2
SLPaper 1A
What can be inferred about the direction of acceleration and velocity during after point C?
Question 3
HLPaper 1A
Refer to the graph showing the force applied over distance by Athlete A and Athlete B.
Which athlete performed more mechanical work over the 10 meters?
Question 4
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 5
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 6
SLPaper 1A
According to the graph, at what time did the cyclist produce the highest power output (rate of energy transfer)?
Question 7
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 8
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 9
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 10
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.