Final answer:
In a chemiluminescence reaction, quenching happens during the propagation phase when the produced light-emitting species react with quenchers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Quenching in a chemiluminescence reaction occurs during the propagation phase of the reaction. This is when the light-emitting species produced in the initiation step react with other molecules (quenchers), releasing energy as light before the reaction is terminated. It is during this phase that the light output is at its maximum, which is then observed as chemiluminescence.