What is the anode in a redox reaction?

In a redox reaction, the anode is defined as the electrode where oxidation occurs. Oxidation is the process in which a substance loses electrons. Since the anode is where this loss manifests, it is designated specifically as the oxidation electrode.

As the oxidation takes place at the anode, electrons are produced and flow toward the cathode, where reduction happens (the gain of electrons). In electrochemical cells, particularly galvanic (voltaic) cells, this electron flow generates an electric current. Therefore, identifying the anode as the oxidation electrode is key to understanding the overall function of redox reactions.

While the reduction electrode refers to the cathode, the option mentioning the production of hydrogen gas does not necessarily define the anode since the type of gas produced depends on the particular redox reaction occurring. Similarly, the statement about consuming electrons pertains to the cathode, not the anode, since that is where reduction occurs.