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Oxidation occurs when a substance loses electrons, while reduction occurs when a substance gains electrons. To remember this distinction, use the phrase 'oil rig': oxidation is losing, reduction is gaining. Both processes are essential components of redox reactions that drive electrochemical cells and generate electrical energy.

A galvanic cell consists of two metal electrodes immersed in separate electrolyte solutions, a salt bridge connecting the solutions to maintain charge neutrality, and an external circuit through which electrons travel. The salt bridge enables ion flow between solutions while the external circuit allows electron movement, completing the electrochemical pathway.

The electrode with the lower standard electrode potential acts as the anode and is oxidized, while the electrode with the higher standard potential acts as the cathode and is reduced. Standard electrode potential measures a metal's tendency to lose electrons. Remember 'red cat': reduction occurs at the cathode, helping distinguish the two electrodes.

The voltage produced equals the standard potential of the cathode minus the standard potential of the anode. Metals with similar electrode potentials produce low voltage, while metals with very different potentials produce high voltage. For example, silver and magnesium generate higher voltage than lead and tin due to their greater potential difference.

The salt bridge connects the two electrolyte solutions and allows ions to flow between them, maintaining electrical neutrality. As oxidation at the anode creates cations, anions travel through the salt bridge to that solution. Conversely, as reduction at the cathode creates anions, cations travel through the salt bridge to maintain charge balance.

Electrons flow from the anode to the cathode because electrons always travel from the metal with lower standard potential to the metal with greater standard potential. The anode, with lower potential, has a higher tendency to lose electrons during oxidation. These electrons travel through the external circuit to the cathode, where reduction occurs.

The magnitude of current depends on the types of metal electrodes used and their standard electrode potentials. Metals with nearly equal electrode potentials produce small current, while metals with very different potentials produce large current. The greater the difference in reduction potential between the two metals, the larger the electrical current generated.