What effect does a higher temperature have on water molecules in plants?

A higher temperature raises the kinetic energy of water molecules in plants. As temperature increases, water molecules move faster due to the added energy. This increased movement results in more vigorous molecular activity, enhancing the rate of processes such as evaporation and transpiration. Higher kinetic energy means that more water molecules can escape from the surface of leaves into the atmosphere, leading to increased water loss through transpiration, which is crucial for nutrient transport and cooling the plant. This understanding aligns with the principles of thermodynamics, where temperature directly influences the motion of particles.