Miners solve a puzzle by finding a hash value for a block with specific criteria, like leading zeros.
Miners adjust the nonce, a variable, to change the hash output. They iterate through nonce values until finding a hash that meets the puzzle's criteria.
When a miner discovers a matching hash using a nonce, they broadcast the solution. Other nodes verify it by checking the hash against the criteria.
The nonce ensures blockchain security. Altering a block changes the hash, making it hard to find a suitable nonce for the tampered block.
Nonce "used once" ensures blocks can't be mined repeatedly with the same nonce, adding to blockchain security.