The chlorination of methane follows the steps
(1) Cl₂ ⇌ 2 Cl (fast, reversible)
(2) Cl + CH₄ → HCl + CH₃ (slow)
(3) CH₃ + Cl₂ → CH₃Cl + Cl (fast)
If the initial concentration of Cl₂ is tripled while [CH₄] remains constant, predict qualitatively how the initial rate will change (increase, decrease, or stay the same) and briefly justify your answer.