Electrolysis and redox reactions taking place at the electrodes by john west | Oct 11, 2010 | school posts, Year 11, K-12You are already aware that ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten or in the aqueous state. What happens at the electrodes when electrons are transferred? Cations receive electrons at the CATHODE, they are REDUCED. Anions lose electrons at the ANODE, they are OXIDISED