Which term describes a bilabial plosive?

Which term describes a bilabial plosive?

• A. A bilabial plosive
• B. A bilabial nasal
• C. A palatal fricative
• D. A velar approximant

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how consonants are described by place and manner of articulation. A bilabial plosive is a sound made by closing both lips (bilabial) and then releasing that closure to create a burst of air (plosive). This category includes sounds like p and b, which are classic examples of bilabial plosives. That exact description matches the term in question, making it the best choice. The other descriptions refer to different sounds: a bilabial nasal involves releasing air through the nose while the oral cavity is closed (like m); a palatal fricative is produced with a constriction at the palate that creates turbulent air (not a full stop); a velar approximant involves a near-close contact between the back of the tongue and the soft palate without a complete closure (like w).

The main idea here is how consonants are described by place and manner of articulation. A bilabial plosive is a sound made by closing both lips (bilabial) and then releasing that closure to create a burst of air (plosive). This category includes sounds like p and b, which are classic examples of bilabial plosives. That exact description matches the term in question, making it the best choice.

The other descriptions refer to different sounds: a bilabial nasal involves releasing air through the nose while the oral cavity is closed (like m); a palatal fricative is produced with a constriction at the palate that creates turbulent air (not a full stop); a velar approximant involves a near-close contact between the back of the tongue and the soft palate without a complete closure (like w).