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What is the future planned consensus mechanism for Ethereum called?

  1. Proof of Work

  2. Nakamoto Consensus

  3. Casper

  4. Meridian

The correct answer is: Casper

The future planned consensus mechanism for Ethereum is called Casper. Casper is designed to transition Ethereum from its original Proof of Work (PoW) consensus to a Proof of Stake (PoS) model. This shift aims to improve the network's scalability, security, and energy efficiency. In a PoS system, validators are chosen to create new blocks and secure the network based on the number of coins they hold and are willing to "stake" as collateral, which is a fundamental change from the mining process utilized in PoW. Casper introduces mechanisms to ensure that validators act honestly and that there are penalties for malicious behavior, thus enhancing the overall security and integrity of the blockchain. This transition is crucial for Ethereum's long-term strategy to support more complex applications and reduce environmental impact, aligning with broader trends in blockchain technology towards sustainability and efficiency. The other consensus mechanisms mentioned, such as Proof of Work and Nakamoto Consensus, relate to different protocols or systems and do not represent Ethereum's future direction. Meridian, on the other hand, is not a recognized term in the context of Ethereum's consensus mechanisms. Therefore, the focus on Casper as the future of Ethereum’s consensus method highlights its pivotal role in the network's evolution.