Positively charged ions move to the negative electrode during electrolysis. They receive electrons and are reduced . Negatively charged ions move to the positive electrode during electrolysis.

What happens to ions at electrodes?

When an ion reaches the electrode they either lose or gain an electron depending on their charge. Negatively charged ions lose electrons to become neutral atoms Positively charged ions form neutral atoms via gaining electrons. Gaining electrons is called reduction.

Why do the ions move to the electrodes?

Passing an electric current through electrolytes causes the ions to move to the electrodes. Positively charged ions move to the negative electrode, and negatively charged ions move to the positive electrode. The negative electrode is called the cathode and the positive electrode is called the anode.