About Ethereum (ETH)
What Is Ethereum (ETH)?
Ethereum is a programmable blockchain for smart contracts and decentralized applications. ETH is the network's native coin. It pays transaction fees, secures proof-of-stake consensus, and acts as collateral and settlement money across many onchain applications.
How Does Ethereum Work and What Is ETH Used For?
Validators lock ETH to propose and attest to blocks. A solo validator requires 32 ETH, while pooled services can accept less. Users pay gas for computation. The base portion of each fee is burned, while priority fees go to validators. ETH has no fixed maximum supply. Supply changes through validator issuance, fee burns, and penalties.
Ethereum Security, Control and Risks
Ethereum uses multiple client implementations and slashing to reduce consensus risk. Users still face contract bugs, phishing, bridge failures, validator concentration, MEV, and high fees during congestion. Staking through a third party adds custody or smart-contract risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ethereum
Is ETH a token?
ETH is Ethereum's native coin, not an ERC-20 token.
Can ETH be mined?
No. Ethereum moved to proof of stake in 2022.
Is ETH always deflationary?
No. Net supply depends on issuance versus burned fees.
Sources and Verification
Official sources
- Ethereum.org Active
- Proof of stake Active
- ETH supply Active