When copper oxide (CuO) reacts with carbon (C), it is reduced to copper (Cu).

Here's the balanced chemical equation for the reaction:

2CuO + C → 2Cu + CO₂

In this reaction:

* Copper oxide (CuO) loses oxygen and is reduced to copper (Cu).

* Carbon (C) gains oxygen and is oxidized to carbon dioxide (CO₂).

This is a classic example of a reduction-oxidation (redox) reaction, where one species gains electrons (reduction) while another loses electrons (oxidation).