Magnesium, the element, is produced commercially by electrolysis from a molten salt (the "electrolyte") using a cell similar to the one. Recall that in an electrolytic cell the anode is given the + sign and the cathode is given the - sign, which is the opposite of what we see in batteries. What half-reaction occurs at the anode in this electrolytic cell?

The half-reaction that occurs on the anode of an electrolytic cell is called oxidation.

This can easily be depicted by a chemical reaction as such "Zn(s) = Zn2+ (aq) + (2e-)"

While, the Zinc in this reaction loses two elections. Hence copper gains those electrons and becomes solid.

These reactions occurring on the anode are called positive reactions.

While the reaction that occurs on the cathode is called reduction. This reaction can be represented by this equation "Cu2+ (aq) + 2e- = Cu(s)".

These non-spontaneous reactions occurring in an electrolytic cell together are called redox reactions. These generate electrical energy.