To solve the question, let's analyze the chemical reaction between copper oxide (CuO) and hydrochloric acid (HCl).
### Explanation:
1. **Copper Oxide (CuO)**: This is a black solid that is a basic oxide of copper.
2. **Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)**: This is a strong acid that, when reacted with metal oxides, can lead to the formation of metal salts.
When copper oxide is treated with hydrochloric acid, the following reaction occurs:
\[
\text{CuO} + 2\text{HCl} \rightarrow \text{CuCl}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O}
\]
In this reaction:
- **CuO** (black) reacts with **HCl** to form **CuCl₂** (cupric chloride), which is blue in color, and water (**H₂O**).
### Analysis of Options:
- **(A) Formation of cupric chloride**: Correct. Cupric chloride (CuCl₂) is blue in color and is formed in the reaction.
- **(B) Formation of water**: While water is indeed produced in the reaction, it is not the main reason for the color change from black to blue.
- **(C) Release of hydrogen**: There is no hydrogen gas released in this reaction.
- **(D) Release of carbon dioxide**: Carbon dioxide is not involved in this reaction.
### Conclusion:
The correct answer is **(A) Formation of cupric chloride**, as the black copper oxide turns blue due to the formation of the blue cupric chloride in the reaction with hydrochloric acid.