In which type of cell is a non-spontaneous reaction driven by an external source of current?

A non-spontaneous reaction is one that does not proceed on its own under standard conditions; instead, it requires an external influence to occur. An electrolytic cell uses an external source of electrical energy to drive such reactions. This process is essentially the opposite of what occurs in galvanic or voltaic cells, where spontaneous chemical reactions occur to produce electrical energy.

In an electrolytic cell, the external current forces electrons to flow in a direction that would not occur naturally, effectively driving the reaction in a non-spontaneous manner. This is often used in applications such as electroplating or the electrolysis of water, where input energy is required to separate compounds into their constituent elements.

The classification of galvanic or voltaic cells typically pertains to systems that generate electrical energy from spontaneous reactions, while the term "standard cell" generally refers to a cell operating under standard conditions without specifying whether it is galvanic or electrolytic. As a result, the electrolytic cell's unique requirement for an external power supply to drive reactions is what distinctly qualifies it in the context of non-spontaneous processes.