$BTC Litecoin and Bitcoin use different mining algorithms:

1. Litecoin: Uses the Scrypt algorithm. This algorithm requires more memory and less processing power, making it more suitable for home mining. It also helps prevent the centralization of mining power, as specialized ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) devices that are commonly used to mine Bitcoin are less efficient for mining Litecoin.

2. Bitcoin: Unlike Litecoin, Bitcoin uses a Proof of Work algorithm based on the SHA-256 hash. The SHA-256 hash function is part of the Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) family of hash algorithms developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States. SHA-256 is considered very secure and is widely used in various cryptographic applications.