How are oxidation and reduction separated in an electrochemical cell?

In an electrochemical cell, oxidation and reduction are spatially separated by utilizing two distinct electrodes that interface with an electrolyte solution. Each electrode serves as a site for one half of the overall redox process.12

The separation functions as follows:

• Anode: This is the site of oxidation, where electrons are released into the electrode by the substance being oxidized.123
• Cathode: This is the site of reduction, where electrons flow from the electrode to the substance being reduced.12

For the reaction to proceed, the system must form a closed electronic loop. While the chemical reactions occur at the interface between the electrodes and the electrolyte, the physical separation of these sites ensures that the electron transfer is mediated through an external circuit, allowing the conversion between chemical energy and electrical energy.13