CPS in viscosity stands for centipoise, which is a unit of dynamic viscosity, a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow.
Think of viscosity as the "thickness" of a fluid. A fluid with a low centipoise value flows easily and quickly (like water), while a fluid with a high centipoise value flows much slower (like honey).
Here's a breakdown:
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Centipoise (cP or CPS): A unit used to measure dynamic viscosity. It's part of the centimeter-gram-second (CGS) system of units. 1 cP is equal to 1 millipascal-second (mPa·s) in the International System of Units (SI).
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Dynamic Viscosity: This is the more common type of viscosity we usually think of. It describes the internal resistance of a fluid to flow when an external force is applied. Imagine trying to stir honey versus water; honey has a higher dynamic viscosity and therefore requires more force to move.
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Low Viscosity (Low CPS): Fluids with low viscosity flow easily. Examples include water (around 1 cP), alcohol, and gasoline.
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High Viscosity (High CPS): Fluids with high viscosity resist flow. Examples include honey (2,000 - 10,000 cP), syrup, and motor oil.
Here's a table for quick reference:
| Fluid | Approximate Viscosity (cP) |
|---|---|
| Water | 1 |
| Milk | 3 |
| Olive Oil | 84 |
| Honey | 2,000 - 10,000 |
| Motor Oil | 250 - 500 |
In summary, when you see "CPS" in the context of viscosity, it's referring to centipoise, the unit used to quantify how easily a fluid flows. A lower CPS indicates a more fluid substance, while a higher CPS signifies a thicker, more resistant substance.
