Public-key cryptography

Public-key cryptography is the field of cryptographic systems that use pairs of related keys. Each key pair consists of a public key and a corresponding private key. Key pairs are generated with cryptographic algorithms based on mathematical problems termed one-way functions. The security of public-key cryptography depends on keeping the private key secret; the public key can be openly distributed without compromising security.

Source ➡️ https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Public-key_cryptography

What Is a Public Key?

A public key allows you to receive cryptocurrency. While anyone can send cryptocurrency to the public key, you need the private key to “unlock” them and prove that you are the owner of the cryptocurrency received in the transaction. It is usually an address, which is used as a unique identity to send/receive cryptocurrency.

What Is a Private Key?

A private key gives you the ability to prove ownership or spend the funds associated with your public address. Never share your private key with anyone. A private key can take many forms:

• Mnemonic seed phrase

• QR code

Regardless of its form, a private key is an astronomically large number, and it’s large for a good reason. While you can generate a public key with a private key, doing the opposite is practically impossible because of the one-way “trapdoor” function. You can have any number of public keys connected to a private key.

Source ➡️ https://www.gemini.com/cryptopedia/public-private-keys-cryptography