Electrolysis — 5-topic bundle

When you pass electric current through a liquid containing ions (an electrolyte), you force chemical reactions at two metal electrodes. The anode connects to the positive terminal and loses electrons through oxidation. The cathode connects to the negative terminal and gains electrons through reduction.

Here's the key insight: electrons can't just disappear. Every electron lost at the anode must be gained at the cathode. This electron flow creates the electric current you measure.