Question

which direction does thermal energy flow in the following diagram? heat flows from the ice cream to the hand. heat flows from the hand to the ice cream. the system is in a state of equilibrium.

Explanation:

Thermal energy (heat) flows from a higher - temperature object to a lower - temperature object. A hand is at a higher temperature than ice cream. So heat will flow from the hand (higher temp) to the ice cream (lower temp). The system is not in equilibrium as there is a temperature difference, and heat doesn't flow from ice cream to hand as ice cream is colder.

Answer:

Heat flows from the hand to the ice cream.