Why does cement go from porridge to hard unbreakable stone just by drying?

Question

Why does cement go from porridge to hard unbreakable stone just by drying?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

This is so cool. It’s *water* that creates cement, and makes it *harder* because the paste and aggregates in the cement mix react to the water, chemically, to make the new, harder substance – concrete.

Think about it this way – If cement came from a drying process, what might happen to it every time it rains?

And to the Sheldons of the world, I said that the ingredients react with the water. Step off. This is ELI5. Not BAPA. I will let you guess what that stands for.