The Anode Compartment At the zinc electrode, zinc atoms are oxidized and the electrons released travel through the external circuit to the cathode where they are used in the reduction process. Because Zn2+(aq) is also a product, chloride ions from the salt bridge must be released to balance the excess positive charge (or the zinc ions migrate to the salt bridge). In this animation chloride ions are released from the salt bridge to maintain electrical neutrality. Note that the zinc electrode is "eaten away" in the process. To see what happens in the cathode compartment (where the electrons are going) click on cathode. To return to the beginning of this animation, click on electrochemical cells.