What happens when an ice pack is placed on an injured ankle?

When an ice pack is placed on an injured ankle, heat from the ankle is transferred to the ice pack. This process occurs due to the principles of heat transfer, specifically conduction. In conduction, heat energy moves from an area of higher temperature (the ankle) to an area of lower temperature (the ice pack).

As the heat from the ankle transfers to the ice pack, the temperature of the ankle decreases, which can help reduce swelling and numb the area, providing pain relief. The transfer of heat continues until thermal equilibrium is reached, meaning the temperatures of both the ankle and the ice pack become more similar.

This understanding clarifies the dynamics at play during the application of an ice pack, emphasizing how thermal energy is exchanged in this scenario and why the use of an ice pack can be beneficial after an injury.