A public blockchain is a decentralized, open-source blockchain that allows anyone to participate in the network, view transactions, and validate blocks. Public blockchains, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, rely on consensus mechanisms like proof-of-work (PoW) or proof-of-stake (PoS) to maintain transparency, security, and immutability. These blockchains enable users to interact with decentralized applications (dApps), conduct peer-to-peer transactions, and create smart contracts. Public blockchains are highly secure, but they can experience scalability challenges and slower transaction speeds. They play a pivotal role in the adoption of decentralized technologies and cryptocurrency.