Direction of electron flow
The anode is the electrode, where substances are losing electrons and are oxidated. The cathode is the electrode, where substances are gaining electrons and are reduced.
What happens to electrons at the cathode?
Reduction happens at the negative cathode because this is where positive ions gain electrons. Oxidation happens at the positive anode because this is where negative ions lose electrons.
Does cathode give or take electrons?
Since the anode can accept electrons, oxidation occurs at that electrode. The cathode is an electron donor and can cause reduction to occur. ... In any electrochemical cell (electrolytic or galvanic) the electrode at which reduction occurs is called the cathode.
