Block Chain - Public Key

Public Key is a cryptographic key that is shared openly and used to receive transactions and verify digital signatures in blockchain systems.

Core Explanation (Exam-Focused)

1. Part of Asymmetric Cryptography
   Works with a mathematically linked private key.

2. Publicly Shareable
   Can be disclosed without compromising security.

3. Transaction Receiving
   Used to generate blockchain addresses for receiving assets.

4. Digital Signature Verification
   Confirms that a transaction was signed by the correct private key.

5. One-Way Derivation
   Public key is derived from the private key; reverse is computationally infeasible.

6. Not Secret
   Exposure does not allow spending or ownership control.

Role in Blockchain

• User signs a transaction using the private key

• Network verifies authenticity using the public key

• Assets are transferred to an address derived from the public key

Public Key vs Private Key

One-Line Definition (Exam Use)

A public key is a cryptographic key that is openly shared and used to verify digital signatures and receive transactions on a blockchain network.