The addition of water to calcium oxide results in a chemical change. This chemical reaction is also known as slaking of lime. When water is added to calcium oxide (also known as quicklime), a highly exothermic reaction takes place, releasing a large amount of heat energy. This reaction forms calcium hydroxide (also known as slaked lime), which is a white powder that is sparingly soluble in water. The chemical equation for this reaction is:
CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2 + heat energy
So, the correct answer is "a chemical change."