Proof of Stake (PoS) is a consensus mechanism used in blockchain networks to achieve distributed consensus. In PoS, validators are chosen to create new blocks and validate transactions based on the number of coins they hold and are willing to "stake" as collateral. The probability of being chosen to create a new block is proportional to the amount of cryptocurrency a validator holds and is willing to lock up in a stake.
On the other hand, Bitcoin's consensus mechanism, known as Proof of Work (PoW), requires miners to solve complex mathematical puzzles to validate transactions and create new blocks. Miners use computational power and energy to compete in solving these puzzles, and the first miner to solve it gets to add a new block to the blockchain.
The key difference between PoS and PoW is that PoS relies on validators "staking" their own cryptocurrency as collateral to validate transactions, while PoW requires miners to perform energy-intensive computations to secure the network. PoS is often considered more energy-efficient than PoW and may provide more scalability for blockchain networks.
