Temperature has a significant influence on the physical properties of liquids, particularly their viscosity. As temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the molecules within a liquid rises, which reduces the internal friction that resists flow. In simpler terms, warmer liquids tend to be less viscous, allowing them to flow more freely.
This lower viscosity means that when work is performed on or by the liquid—such as pumping, mixing, or transporting—it requires less energy. Consequently, this enhances the efficiency of processes involving the liquid, as the reduced resistance to flow allows for smoother operation and less energy consumption.
In contrast, increased viscosity at lower temperatures leads to greater resistance against flow, and hence, more energy is required to perform work. This relationship between temperature and viscosity illustrates why understanding the effects of temperature is vital for optimizing processes that use liquids.