Electron Transfer Reactions

Explain the concepts of reduction and oxidation purely in terms of the gain or loss of electrons.
Recall that oxidation involves the loss of electrons and reduction involves the gain of electrons.
Explain that during electrolysis, reactions at the cathode (negative electrode) involve the gain of electrons by positive ions and are therefore reductions.
Explain that reactions at the anode (positive electrode) involve the loss of electrons by negative ions and are therefore oxidations.
Identify which specific species are oxidised and which are reduced when given a chemical reaction, symbol equation, or half equation.

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