The reaction reveals that solid calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) dissolves in water to produce aqueous calcium ions (Ca²⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The negative enthalpy change (ΔH = -16.71 kJ) indicates that the dissolution process is exothermic, meaning it releases heat to the surroundings. This suggests that the formation of ions from the solid is energetically favorable.