A conducting coil lies flat on a level tabletop in a region where the magnetic field points straight up. The magnetic field suddenly grows weaker. When viewed from above, what is the direction of the induced current in this coil as the field decreases

The current will flow in an anticlockwise direction in the loop.

Explanation:

According to Lenz law, the induced current acts in such a way as to oppose the motion or action that produces it. A magnetic field pointing straight upwards implies that the north pole is dominant pole. The induced current is produced due to the decreasing magnetic field; which will cause the current to flow in an anticlockwise direction in the coil, so as to replace the decaying or decreasing magnetic field.

NB: A clockwise current produces a south magnetic pole, while an anticlockwise current flow produces a north magnetic pole.

this means that the temperature of both substances will be equal