Final answer:
The positive electrode of a battery is known as the cathode, and it is where the reduction reaction takes place, gaining electrons.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes the positive electrode of a battery is cathode. In electrochemical cells, such as batteries, the cathode is where the reduction process occurs, which means it gains electrons. During the operation of a battery, like the lead-acid battery commonly used in vehicles, the cathode is connected to a lead oxide plate and is immersed in sulfuric acid alongside the anode, which is connected to a lead plate. The lithium-ion battery operates similarly, with lithium ions transferring between the cathode and anode as charge flows. The cathode is considered the positive electrode because it attracts the negatively charged electrons during discharging of the battery. In contrast, the anode is the negative electrode and is the site where oxidation occurs, losing electrons in the process. A salt bridge or an external circuit allows electrons to move from the anode to the cathode, completing the circuit and allowing the battery to provide electrical energy.