Crypto mining, akin to gold mining, relies on computing power and energy to solve complex calculations for currencies like Monero. Using a Raspberry Pi for mining highlights the physics involved but is impractical for profit. A 12-hour test generated 0.00000006 XMR, worth 0.0012 cents, while consuming electricity costing 0.41 cents—resulting in a net loss. However, mining with a Raspberry Pi is the cheapest way to teach kids about cryptocurrency mining and energy conversion, making it a cool and practical experiment for physics teachers. It demonstrates principles like electrical power, thermal energy, and real-world inefficiencies. While high-performance rigs are more efficient, they are costly. Profits depend on factors like electricity costs, cryptocurrency value, and energy-efficient setups like solar. Despite consuming 2.3% of US electricity in 2024, crypto mining’s economic and environmental sustainability remains questionable. Read more: https://shorturl.at/UX6Ag