* Metal Oxides: Potassium is a metal. Metal oxides generally react with water to form metal hydroxides, which are bases.

* Reaction with Water: K₂O reacts with water to form potassium hydroxide (KOH):

K₂O + H₂O → 2KOH

* KOH is a Base: Potassium hydroxide is a strong base, dissolving in water to produce hydroxide ions (OH-) which are responsible for the basic nature of the solution.

Therefore, potassium oxide is a basic oxide.