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Date November 2016 Marks available 2 Reference code 16N.3.HL.TZ0.22
Level Higher level Paper Paper 3 Time zone TZ0 / no time zone
Command term Calculate Question number 22 Adapted from N/A

Question

The electrocardiogram (ECG) of a normal patient after exercise is shown.

Using the R–R interval in this ECG, calculate the heart beats per minute (bpm) of this patient. Show your working.

[2]
a.

Describe the electrical activity that occurs in the heart during the P wave.

[1]
b.

Explain why the QRS wave has a larger amplitude than a P wave.

[2]
c.

Markscheme

a. determining time of 1 beat = 0.46 «seconds»

b. correct calculation of heart rate/beats per minute = 130 «bpm»

Other possible calculations

eg:

23 «squares» × 0.02 «sec» = 0.46

OR

2.3 × 0.2 «sec» = 0.46

OR

 

 

a.

atrial depolarization/electrical impulse travels from the sinoatrial/SA node to the atrioventricular/AV node

Accept atrial systole.

 



b.

a. atrium has a small contraction requiring low electrical charge/OWTTE

b. the QRS complex shows the depolarization of the «right and left» ventricles 

Accept ventricular systole.

c. the ventricles have a large muscle mass compared to the atria, so the QRS complex has a larger amplitude than the P wave/OWTTE
OR
ventricle contraction needs more electricity than atrial contraction/OWTTE

Accept answers implying large muscle mass eg, stronger contraction, more pressure, etc.

 



c.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.
[N/A]
c.

Syllabus sections

Option D: Human physiology » Option D: Human physiology (Core topics) » D.4 The heart
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Option D: Human physiology » Option D: Human physiology (Core topics)
Option D: Human physiology

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