Since the slow step is the rate determining step hence- if we consider option (1) we find Rate =k[Cl2][H2S] Now if we consider option (2) we find Rate =k[Cl2][HS−]...(1) From equation (i) k=‌
[H+][HS−]
H2S
or [HS−]=‌
k[H2S]
H+
Substituting this value in equation (1) we find Rate =k[Cl2]K‌
[H2S]
H+
=k′‌
[Cl2][H2S]
[H+]
hence only, mechanism (1) is consistent with the given rate equation.