When sodium oxide (Na₂O) combines with water (H₂O), it undergoes a hydrolysis reaction to produce sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and water (H₂O).

Here's the balanced chemical equation:

Na₂O + H₂O → 2 NaOH

Explanation:

* Sodium oxide is a basic oxide.

* Water is a neutral molecule.

* When sodium oxide reacts with water, it breaks apart into sodium ions (Na⁺) and oxide ions (O²⁻).

* The oxide ions react with water molecules to form hydroxide ions (OH⁻).

* The sodium ions combine with the hydroxide ions to form sodium hydroxide, a strong base.

The reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat.