Which equation represents a propagation step in the reaction of methane with bromine?

A.     ${\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{4}}} \to {\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{3}}} \bullet  + {\text{H}} \bullet$

B.     ${\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{4}}} + {\text{Br}} \bullet  \to {\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{3}}} \bullet  + {\text{HBr}}$

C.     ${\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{4}}} + {\text{Br}} \bullet  \to {\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{3}}}{\text{Br}} + {\text{H}} \bullet$

D.     ${\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{3}}} \bullet  + {\text{Br}} \bullet  \to {\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{3}}}{\text{Br}}$

B

Answer C was the most popular distractor, given by nearly a quarter of the candidates. It is a common misconception that a bromine radical can displace a hydrogen radical.