During the discharge process, what occurs at the cathode of a battery?

During the discharge process of a battery, the cathode is where reduction takes place. In electrochemical cells, reduction refers to the gain of electrons by a species. As the battery discharges, the chemical reaction at the cathode involves the acceptance of electrons from the external circuit, resulting in a decrease in the oxidation state of the material at the cathode.

This is critical in the context of how batteries function. In a typical galvanic cell, the oxidizing agent (which is reduced) is found at the cathode. This process is opposite to what occurs at the anode, where oxidation happens, meaning that the material at the anode loses electrons. Thus, during discharge, the flow of electrons goes from the anode to the cathode, facilitating the overall energy release from the battery.

Understanding that the cathode is the site of reduction helps clarify the fundamental operation of batteries and electrochemical cells, which is essential for electrical and computer engineering.