* Loss of water: The water molecules bound to the copper sulfate are driven off as steam.
* Color change: The blue crystal turns white.
* Formation of anhydrous copper sulfate: The remaining compound is anhydrous copper sulfate (CuSO₄).
Therefore, the correct answer is white.
Here's a breakdown:
* Blue copper sulfate (CuSO₄·5H₂O): This is the hydrated form, containing five water molecules per copper sulfate molecule. It's blue because of the water molecules.
* White anhydrous copper sulfate (CuSO₄): This is the dehydrated form, without any water molecules. It's white because the copper sulfate molecule itself is colorless.
Note: The process is reversible. You can add water to the white anhydrous copper sulfate to obtain the blue hydrated form again.
