1. Energy Systems Exam Questions

2. Examine how the slow component of recovery allows an athlete to return to homeostasis. (8 marks)
All answers should be linked to the slow component of recovery. Reward acceptable answers. Responses may include, but are not limited to the following:
Slow component of recovery occurs after the fast component and includes anything after the first 3 minutes when ATP-PC restored in the fast component. (AO1)
The replenishment of energy stores refuels the athlete over hours (AO1)
Use of the 2 hour window of opportunity to maximise glycogen resynthesis (AO1)
Rehydration allows the athlete to return to homeostasis (AO1)
Physical cooling and thermoregulation aligns body temperature back to resting levels. (AO3)
Re-saturation of myoglobin prepares the athlete for future aerobic activity. (AO3)
Re-synthesis of protein allows repair of damaged muscle fibres after up to 72 hours. (AO3)
Re-synthesis of glycogen and carbohydrate allows energy to be restocked over hours. (AO3)
Removal of lactate and hydrogen ions (AO3)
The indicative content is a guide to the responses candidate may give. Other valid responses which answer the question correctly can be credited as appropriate.

3. Using the energy continuum, examine how the time taken to complete athletic events determines the energy systems used. (8 marks)
All answers should be linked to the up to date energy continuum as per the topic guides. Reward acceptable answers. Responses may include, but are not limited to the following: It is the duration of activity not distance covered that determines the energy sources. For example, Mo Farah will run 3000m in about 7m30s however a GCSE learner might run 1500m in that time. They would both be using a similar per cent aerobic/anaerobic. (AO1) It is the timings of the event in this table that determine the energy system used. (AO3) Justification can be based on tactics as well as timings. (AO3) Candidates may make reference to examples from specific sports from the table.

4. Summarise the ATP-PC energy pathway. (5)
PC breaks down to P and C
P+C remakes PC
This system lasts less than10 seconds
System is anaerobic
Used for fast powerful bursts of energy
Takes place in the cell

5. Explain why the body utilises the lactic acid pathway for different track and field athletics events. (4)
A linked explanation which makes reference to any of the following points (up to a maximum of four marks).
The lactic acid energy pathway
The lactic acid pathway is more suited to high intensity, short duration activities such as 200m, 400m or any other appropriate example (1).
It creates the ATP/energy extremely quickly (1)
It will sustain near maximal contractions for up to one minute (1)
The rate of glucose depletion is rapid (1)
The consequent build-up of waste products that cause fatigue (accept lactic acid, hydrogen ions and carbon dioxide) (1)

6. Explain why the body utilises the aerobic energy pathway for different track and field athletics events. (4)
A linked explanation which makes reference to any of the following points (up to a maximum of four marks).
The aerobic energy pathway
The aerobic pathway is more suited to low-intensity, long duration activities such as 5000m, 10000m or any other appropriate example (1).
Can produce up to a further 32 (36 from glucose/37 glycogen) ATP in total (1).
The rate at which ATP is created is slower (1).
Which means glucose stores will last considerably longer (1).
The contractions will have to be submaximal (1).

7. Assess where the 1500 m track race would be placed on the energy continuum. (8)
Reward acceptable answers. Responses may include, but are not limited to the following. • The 1500m race would be placed approximately in the middle of the continuum but could vary depending on the tactics (AO2). Candidates may draw this in a diagram. • The energy continuum identifies athletic events by the percentage of energy obtained from the different pathways (AO3). • The placement of the 1500m on the energy continuum would need to be justified by tactics and the application of energy systems at various points throughout the race (AO2). • The start of the race will be very anaerobic, predominantly utilising the ATP-PC pathway (AO2). • After approximately 50 metres the pace may drop a little but will still be anaerobic, utilising the Lactic Acid Pathway as the dominant provider until the end of the lap (AO3). • The next two laps will experience another slight drop in intensity, allowing the aerobic pathway to be the dominant provider (AO3). • On the bell, the intensity will gradually increase, firstly utilising the Lactic Acid pathway until the final sprint finish which again is ATP-PC pathway dependent (AO3).