How do Uncle blocks affect the consensus mechanism in cryptocurrencies?

1 answers

• Dec 17, 2021 · 3 years ago
  Uncle blocks, also known as stale blocks, play a crucial role in the consensus mechanism of cryptocurrencies. When two miners solve a block at the same time, only one block can be included in the main blockchain, while the other becomes an Uncle block. These Uncle blocks are not completely wasted as they still contribute to the security and decentralization of the network. Miners who discover an Uncle block receive a reduced reward, but it's still an incentive for them to continue mining. The inclusion of Uncle blocks in the consensus mechanism helps prevent centralization and ensures that no single miner can monopolize the network. So, while Uncle blocks may not have the same status as the main blocks, they are an integral part of the consensus mechanism in cryptocurrencies.
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