What is the purpose of a catalyst in the production of hydrogen?

Answer:To speed up the rate of hydrogen production

Explanation:

In the preparation of Hydrogen from the action of dilute acid on zinc metal, few drops of Copper (II) tetraoxosulphate (VI) solution is added to speed up the rate of production.

The hydrogen produced is shown in the equation below

Zn (s) + 2HCl (aq) - -> ZnCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)

Thus, Copper (II) tetraoxosulphate (VI) solution, a catalyst is used to speed up hydrogen production.