The chemical reaction that occurs between water and cement, producing heat, is known as what?

The chemical reaction between water and cement that produces heat is known as hydration. This process is crucial in the curing of concrete and involves the chemical reaction of cement particles with water, leading to the hardening and strength development of the concrete. During hydration, compounds within the cement react with water to form new minerals that bind the aggregates together, which is essential for achieving the desired structural integrity and durability of concrete.

This heat produced during hydration is referred to as "heat of hydration" and is an important factor to consider in large concrete pours or in hot weather conditions, as it can influence the behavior and performance of the concrete mix. The hydration reaction continues over time, leading to ongoing strength gain in the concrete as long as there is sufficient moisture available.

In contrast, condensation refers to the process of a gas converting to a liquid, evaporation is the conversion of a liquid to a gas, and polymerization involves the process where small molecular units join together to form a larger molecule or polymer; these terms do not accurately describe the chemical process involving water and cement.