The reaction between zinc oxide (ZnO) and hydrogen gas (H₂) typically involves the reduction of zinc oxide to zinc metal. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:
\[ \text{ZnO} + \text{H}_2 \rightarrow \text{Zn} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \]
In this process, zinc oxide (the oxidized form of zinc) is reduced by hydrogen gas (which acts as a reducing agent) to form elemental zinc and water. This is an important reaction in metallurgy, especially in the extraction of zinc from its ores.
Make sure to consider the conditions under which the reaction occurs, as it may require high temperatures to proceed effectively.