What is the main purpose of a positive electrode in a battery?

The main purpose of the positive electrode, also known as the cathode, in a battery is indeed to receive ions during discharge. In electrochemical cells, when the battery discharges, a chemical reaction occurs at the positive electrode where positive ions flow towards it from the electrolyte. This reaction releases energy that can be harnessed to do work, such as powering a device.

During the discharge process, electrons move through the external circuit from the anode (negative electrode) to the cathode (positive electrode) while the corresponding positive ions migrate through the electrolyte towards the cathode. This flow of ions is crucial for maintaining the overall charge balance in the battery and enabling the conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy.

Understanding this function highlights the role of the positive electrode in the energy conversion process, emphasizing its essential involvement in the battery's discharge cycle.