Edexcel A Level PE - Energy Systems,
Energy Continuum, Fatigue and
Recovery Questions and Answers
Already Passed
How does the body produce energy during prolonged, low-intensity exercise?
✔✔The aerobic energy system uses oxygen to break down carbohydrates and fats for sustained
energy.
Why does fatigue occur during high-intensity exercise?
✔✔Fatigue occurs due to the accumulation of lactic acid and the depletion of ATP and glycogen
stores.
What is the energy continuum?
✔✔The energy continuum refers to the interaction of all three energy systems to meet the energy
demands of an activity.
How does the body recover from lactic acid build-up?
✔✔Oxygen is used to convert lactic acid into pyruvate, which is then used in the aerobic energy
system.
1
,What is the primary fuel source for the aerobic energy system?
✔✔Carbohydrates and fats are the primary fuel sources for the aerobic energy system.
Why is the aerobic energy system inefficient for high-intensity activities?
✔✔The aerobic energy system is slower to produce energy because it relies on oxygen and
complex metabolic pathways.
How is energy provided during a 400-meter race?
✔✔The anaerobic glycolytic system predominates during a 400-meter race, with some
contribution from the ATP-PC and aerobic systems.
What role does oxygen play in the recovery process?
✔✔Oxygen helps replenish ATP stores, remove lactic acid, and restore normal physiological
function.
Why does the anaerobic glycolytic system cause fatigue?
✔✔The anaerobic glycolytic system causes fatigue due to the accumulation of lactic acid, which
lowers pH levels and impairs muscle function.
2
, How does interval training improve the efficiency of energy systems?
✔✔Interval training improves the efficiency of energy systems by enhancing the ability to
switch between aerobic and anaerobic systems.
What is excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC)?
✔✔EPOC refers to the increased rate of oxygen intake after exercise to restore the body to its
pre-exercise state.
How does the body replenish ATP after intense exercise?
✔✔ATP is replenished through the breakdown of phosphocreatine and by using oxygen to
restore energy stores.
Why is glycogen important for prolonged exercise?
✔✔Glycogen is a key energy source for the aerobic system and is essential for maintaining
energy during prolonged exercise.
What causes the "hitting the wall" phenomenon during endurance events?
3
Energy Continuum, Fatigue and
Recovery Questions and Answers
Already Passed
How does the body produce energy during prolonged, low-intensity exercise?
✔✔The aerobic energy system uses oxygen to break down carbohydrates and fats for sustained
energy.
Why does fatigue occur during high-intensity exercise?
✔✔Fatigue occurs due to the accumulation of lactic acid and the depletion of ATP and glycogen
stores.
What is the energy continuum?
✔✔The energy continuum refers to the interaction of all three energy systems to meet the energy
demands of an activity.
How does the body recover from lactic acid build-up?
✔✔Oxygen is used to convert lactic acid into pyruvate, which is then used in the aerobic energy
system.
1
,What is the primary fuel source for the aerobic energy system?
✔✔Carbohydrates and fats are the primary fuel sources for the aerobic energy system.
Why is the aerobic energy system inefficient for high-intensity activities?
✔✔The aerobic energy system is slower to produce energy because it relies on oxygen and
complex metabolic pathways.
How is energy provided during a 400-meter race?
✔✔The anaerobic glycolytic system predominates during a 400-meter race, with some
contribution from the ATP-PC and aerobic systems.
What role does oxygen play in the recovery process?
✔✔Oxygen helps replenish ATP stores, remove lactic acid, and restore normal physiological
function.
Why does the anaerobic glycolytic system cause fatigue?
✔✔The anaerobic glycolytic system causes fatigue due to the accumulation of lactic acid, which
lowers pH levels and impairs muscle function.
2
, How does interval training improve the efficiency of energy systems?
✔✔Interval training improves the efficiency of energy systems by enhancing the ability to
switch between aerobic and anaerobic systems.
What is excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC)?
✔✔EPOC refers to the increased rate of oxygen intake after exercise to restore the body to its
pre-exercise state.
How does the body replenish ATP after intense exercise?
✔✔ATP is replenished through the breakdown of phosphocreatine and by using oxygen to
restore energy stores.
Why is glycogen important for prolonged exercise?
✔✔Glycogen is a key energy source for the aerobic system and is essential for maintaining
energy during prolonged exercise.
What causes the "hitting the wall" phenomenon during endurance events?
3
