In a galvanic cell, the oxidation half-reaction occurs at the anode (see Figure 1). Since electrons are deposited on this electrode, it is the negative electrode. The reduction half-reaction occurs at the cathode, which loses electrons and is therefore the positive electrode.

Figure 1:原电池电极s: electrons are lost from silver at the anode (oxidation) gained by copper at the cathode (reduction reaction).

The electrons are transferred from silver to copper via the external circuit.