The viscosity of a fluid is basically a measure of how sticky it is. Water has a fairly low viscosity; things like shampoo or syrup have higher viscosities. Viscosity also depends on temperature: engine oil, for instance, is much less viscous at high temperatures than it is in a cold engine in the middle of winter.
One small packet of 7 grams will produce about 500 grams of beads once they are hydrated. Soak overnight to a ratio of one packet of beads to 50 parts water. You can add more water or pour out any extra water when the beads expand. They can also be used to water potted/garden plants and flowers.
Water softeners Do NOT use salt to soften the water. A water softener softens water by using small silicon beads. Dissolved and not so dissolved minerals become attached to these beads as the water passes through the tank full of these silicon beads. the material collected in order to be able to collect more.