This works best for gas reactions and tends to favor the side of the chemical equation with the lowest number of molecules. Oxidation is the chemical combination of a substance with oxygen. Reduction is the removal of oxygen from a compound. Reduction refers to the gain of electrons. Oxidation and Reduction 11.14.
Electrolysis is a chemical reaction caused by electric current.
Electroplating is electrolysis where the metal ion is deposited on and sticks to the cathode. Thus the item to be electroplated must be used as the cathode and must be conductive itself or be coated with a conductive graphite powder 11.15. A reverse reaction to electrolysis can occur due to the different affinities of elements for electrons. The most active metal becomes the negative electrode and the least active metal becomes the positive electrode. But this use is limited as the non-metal must be made somewhat conductive for this to work.