The reaction reveals the dissociation of solid calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) into aqueous calcium ions (Ca²⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The enthalpy change (ΔH) of -16.71 kJ indicates that the reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat to the surroundings. This suggests that when solid calcium hydroxide dissolves in water, it stabilizes into its ionic form, accompanied by a release of energy.