#+TITLE: Proof of Work vs Proof of Stake
#+ID: 0450c91b-55a5-4bcc-9bc2-2478d983be3c

* Proof of Work vs Proof of Stake

** Core Concepts

- **Proof of Work (PoW):** Uses computational energy as the primary mechanism for Sybil resistance and achieving consensus.
- **Proof of Stake (PoS):** Uses capital at risk (staked tokens) to achieve the same goal.

** Fundamental Differences

| Aspect | Proof of Work | Proof of Stake |
|--------|---------------|----------------|
| Foundation | Physics (energy) | Economics (capital) |
| Sybil Resistance | Computational cost | Financial stake at risk |
| Resource Required | Hardware/energy | Capital/tokens |

** Open Question

PoW may be more fundamentally grounded in physics, while PoS is grounded in economics. Further exploration needed on the implications of this distinction.

** Source

- Captured as fleeting note on [[id:20260317T1100][2026-03-17]]
- Originally part of daily blockchain consensus reading

** See Also

- #consensus #blockchain #energy-economics