Final answer:
In a galvanic cell, electron transfer occurs at the electrodes, where oxidation happens at the anode and reduction at the cathode, with electron flow through an external circuit and ion movement through a salt bridge to maintain neutrality.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a galvanic cell, the action that occurs at an electrode is electron transfer. At the anode, oxidation takes place, and electrons flow from this electrode through an external circuit to the cathode, where reduction occurs. The anode of a galvanic cell is negatively charged because it donates electrons, whereas the cathode is positively charged because it accepts electrons. To maintain electrical neutrality, ions in the electrolyte solution move between the electrode compartments through a salt bridge. Anions flow toward the anode to balance the positive charge of the cations formed by oxidation, while cations flow toward the cathode to balance the negative charge of the anions consumed by reduction.