What happens at the anode during electrolysis?

The anode is the positive electrode so attracts negative ions. At the anode, negative ions lose electrons (they are oxidised).The resulting product depends on the ionic substance but is non-metal and is often a gas. Examples are: chlorine, bromine, iodine and oxygen. (The negative electrode is called the cathode. At the cathode reduction occurs (gain of electrons) and a metal is produced if it is less reactive than hydrogen, hydrogen will be produced if the metal is more reactive than hydrogen).