Reduction occurs in:

• A. Cathode
• B. Anode
• C. Both A and B
• D. None

Answer: (A)

Reduction is the gain of electrons, and it takes place at the cathode. In any electrochemical process, electrons flow through the external circuit toward the cathode, where ions in solution gain those electrons and are reduced to neutral atoms or lower oxidation states. This is true in galvanic cells (where the cathode is a site of reduction) and in electrolytic cells (where an external power source drives electrons to the cathode to reduce species). The anode is where oxidation occurs—species lose electrons there. So the cathode is the location of reduction, while the anode is not.