[confusedstud]

So in my notes and during the lecture we were taught that overpotential is when the potential of the electrode deviates from the equilibrium potential. A graph of E vs logi was drawn and when the E increases it is known as anodic polarization and when E decreases cathodic polarization. But i was thinking that anodic polarization meant that the anodic reactions would occur more and more and so if the E value increases during this polarization, then it would mean that the E is representative of the oxidation potential.

But my lecturer told me it wasn't oxidation or reduction potential. It was just a 'potential'. But I don't understand what it means. Why does the potential increase when anodic polarization occurs?