Final answer:
An electrolytic cell uses energy from an external source to drive nonspontaneous chemical reactions, differing from a galvanic cell which generates electrical energy from spontaneous reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of electrochemical cell that uses energy from an external source is known as an electrolytic cell. Unlike a galvanic cell, which generates electricity from a spontaneous chemical reaction, an electrolytic cell consumes electrical energy to drive nonspontaneous redox reactions. These cells operate with two electrodes, called the anode and the cathode, where the oxidation and reduction half-reactions occur, respectively. Electrolytic cells are commonly used in various applications, including electroplating, electrorefining of metals, and water electrolysis.