What is cement?

• A. A binding construction material used to make concrete.
• B. A metal alloy.
• C. A ceramic binder used in construction.
• D. A generic binding material used in plaster.

Answer: (A)

Cement is a binding material that forms the paste in concrete. It’s a finely ground powder (usually Portland cement) that hydrates when mixed with water, binding sand and gravel (the aggregates) together and hardening into a strong, durable stone-like mass. This makes it the key component that gives concrete its structure. It isn’t a metal alloy, nor a ceramic binder, and plaster typically uses gypsum or lime as its binder, not cement. So the option describing cement as a binding material used to make concrete best captures its role and use in construction.