The more negative the std electrode potential, the more likely the substance is to be oxidized, the

more positive the value the more likely it is to be reduced. Therefore, the more positive value is the
oxidizing agent and the more negative value is the reducing agent.

Oxidation or loss of electrons happens at the anode because the electrons of the negative ions are
attracted to the positive electrodes whereas the gain of electrons or reduction happens at the
cathode because the positively charged ions line up to gain the electrons at the cathode making the
electrode more negative.

Conventional electric current is said to flow from the positive terminal to the negative one.

Difference between Galvanic and Electrolytic cells

A half equation is used to represent the reaction that happens at an electrode during electrolysis. It

shows what happens when ions gain or lose electrons. In half equations:

 electrons are shown as e-

 the numbers of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides

 the total charge on each side must be the same (usually zero)

Cathode reactions

Positively charged ions gain electrons at the cathode. These are half equations for some reactions at
the cathode:

Na+ + e- → Na

Pb2+ + 2e- → Pb

2H+ + 2e- → H2

Example

Balance the half equation for the formation of aluminium during electrolysis: Al 3+ + e- → Al.

The balanced half equation is: Al3+ + 3e- → Al (because three negatively charged electrons are
needed to balance the three positive charges on the aluminium ion).