Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Chlorination of an alkane in light is a free-radical chain reaction.
Step 2: Initiation step
UV light splits the \(\text{Cl--Cl}\) bond evenly, with each atom keeping one bonding electron: \(\text{Cl}_{2}\rightarrow 2\text{Cl}\cdot\).
Step 3: Result
Symmetrical bond fission that gives free radicals is called homolysis. Heterolysis would give ions.
Final Answer:
The reaction is initiated by homolysis.
\[ \boxed{\text{(B) }\text{homolysis}} \]