What is the significance of particles being in the same phase during a reaction?

The significance of particles being in the same phase during a reaction lies in the fact that it provides them with maximum opportunities to collide. In a chemical reaction, the reaction rate is often dependent on how frequently the reacting particles interact with each other. When particles are in the same phase—such as all being gases, liquids, or solids—they are more likely to come into contact and collide with one another effectively. This increased collision frequency enhances the possibility of effective interactions that can lead to the formation of products.

For example, when both reactants are gases, they can mix freely and come into contact more easily compared to a situation where one reactant is a solid and the other is a gas; in that case, the solid may not provide sufficient surface area for effective collisions. Hence, having all reactants in the same phase maximizes the likelihood of collisions and, consequently, can significantly accelerate the reaction rate.