How can I write this for 5 marks elobarate it in
simple language
Here is an elaborated and easy-to-understand answer for each main question, suitable for 5
marks each. Each section clearly explains the key concepts in simple words, covering all
important points for short answers.
1. Merkle Tree & Merkle Patricia Tree (MPT) in Ethereum
A Merkle Tree is a special structure that uses hashes to organize data securely in a blockchain.
The lowest parts (called leaves) contain the data’s own hash (like for transactions). Then, every
parent node contains the hash of its children's data. At the top is the single Merkle root hash. If
even one piece of information changes, the Merkle root becomes different immediately. This
protects data, saves space, and allows anyone to quickly check if information is unchanged,
even if they don’t have the whole set.
For Ethereum, a more advanced structure is required, called the Merkle Patricia Tree (MPT).
This combines:
A Trie (which lets you find data fast using keys like addresses)
Merkle Tree (for extra security)
Patricia Compression (which makes the structure smaller)
With MPT, Ethereum can quickly check if specific account or contract data exists, and
share only small proofs instead of the entire database, making verification lightweight.
2. Benefits and Limitations of Blockchain
Benefits:
Decentralization: No single authority controls the system. Data is stored among many
nodes (computers), making the system fair and hard to tamper with.
Transparency: Everyone can see the same ledger, which can’t be changed secretly.
Security: Strong cryptography and rules make hacking or cheating nearly impossible.
Immutability: Once you add information to the blockchain, it can’t be deleted or changed.
Efficiency: Transactions are faster, often skipping traditional middlemen, which is useful
especially for quick global money transfers.
Limitations:
Scalability: Blockchains (like Bitcoin or Ethereum) process fewer transactions per second
than centralized systems (like Visa), meaning slowdowns are possible.
High Energy Use: Especially in proof-of-work, mining uses a lot of electricity and computing
power.
Privacy Issues: On public blockchains, transaction details are open for anyone to see,
which can create privacy concerns.
Regulatory Uncertainty: Laws about blockchain differ widely by country and can change.
Complexity & Cost: Setting up blockchain applications requires advanced skills and can be
expensive at first.
3. Blockchain Consensus Mechanisms (POW, POS, POB, POET)
Consensus mechanisms decide who can add new data (blocks) to the blockchain.
Proof of Work (POW): Miners use their computers to solve hard puzzles. The fastest wins
and adds a new block. Used by Bitcoin. Pros: Very secure and proven. Cons: Very energy-
hungry and slow.
Proof of Stake (POS): People (validators) “lock up” their own coins to get selected for
adding blocks. The more coins, the higher their chance. Used by Ethereum now. Pros: Uses
much less energy. Cons: Wealthier users have more power.
Proof of Burn (POB): Users destroy (burn) some coins for a chance to write new blocks.
Pros: Discourages attacks. Cons: Wastes coins, slow adoption.
Proof of Elapsed Time (POET): Computers wait for a randomly assigned time in secure
hardware; whoever’s time is shortest wins. Pros: Very efficient. Cons: Needs trusted
hardware.
4. Compare Bitcoin vs Ethereum
Feature Bitcoin Ethereum
Consensus Proof of Work Proof of Stake (since 2022)
Block Time About 10minutes 12seconds
Max Supply 21million coins No fixed maximum
Programming Basic scripting Fully programmable with smart contracts
Main Use Digital money, value transfer dApps, DeFi, NFTs, DAOs, tokens
Speed (TPS) 7 transactions/sec 15–30 transactions/sec (more with Layer 2)
Launched January 2009 July 2015
Fee Structure Generally lower, varies with activity Generally higher, varies with “gas” price
First Block Date January 3, 2009 July 30, 2015
5. Mining Difficulty in Proof of Work (POW)
Mining Difficulty is a measure of how hard it is to find a valid block in blockchains like Bitcoin.
The whole network adjusts difficulty regularly so the average block time stays the same, even if
more computers join. For Bitcoin, this is usually about every 2,016blocks. If blocks are created
too fast, the difficulty increases; if too slow, it decreases. This keeps the system stable and fair.
Calculation Example:
If the last set of 2,016blocks were found too quickly, the network increases the difficulty by a
fraction so that the next blocks will be harder to mine.
6. Solidity Data Types and Visibility Qualifiers
Data Types:
Value types: Directly store values like numbers (int, uint), booleans (true/false), and
addresses.
Visibility Qualifiers:
Public: Anyone can access.
Private: Only inside the same contract.
Internal: Only this and child contracts can access.
External: Only outside contract can access (not inside).
Activity Qualifiers:
Pure: Works with input only, doesn’t read/write contract’s state.
View: Can read but not change the state.
Payable: Allows contracts to receive Ether.
7. Components of Ethereum
Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM): The "brain" of Ethereum, running smart contracts and
updating the state on all computers exactly the same.
Smart Contracts: Programs that perform actions automatically when conditions are met,
removing the need for middlemen. Written in Solidity or other specialized languages.
Ethereum Blockchain: Public record of all transactions and contract results.
Accounts:
EOA (Externally Owned Account): Controlled by person’s key; can send transactions.
Contract Account: Controlled by the contract code.
Transactions: Messages to move ETH or trigger contract functions. Contains data like
sender, receiver, value, gas info.
Gas: Fee users pay to miners/validators for processing actions. Prevents spam.
Nodes/Clients: Computers that keep the network running (Full nodes store everything; light
nodes store less). Examples: Geth, Nethermind, Besu.
Ether (ETH): The main cryptocurrency for paying gas, collateral, staking, and more.
Consensus Mechanism: Ethereum used proof of work, but now after “The Merge” it uses
proof of stake (since September 2022). Lower energy, faster, more secure.
Developer Tools: Remix IDE and MetaMask for code writing and interacting with the
blockchain.
Use these versions to answer each question for 5 marks in your assignment. Each one explains
the concept, use, and a couple of benefits or examples in clear and easy language. If you need
any section in even simpler language or more detail, let me know!
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1. BT-ASSIGNMENT-1.pdf
