An opera singer holds a note for 10 seconds. The sound produced employs which of the following?

The correct answer is that the sound produced by the opera singer holding a note for 10 seconds primarily employs a vowel. In vocal music, especially opera, sustained notes are generally associated with vowel sounds because they allow singers to project their voice and create a sustained, resonant quality. Vowels are produced with an open vocal tract, which permits a smooth, continuous sound. This open configuration is crucial for maintaining a long-held note, as it enables the airflow from the lungs to create a steady sound without interruption.

In contrast, consonants involve more obstruction in the vocal tract, which makes them less suitable for sustained singing. Rime refers to the part of a syllable that includes the vowel and any subsequent sounds, which does not apply directly to producing a note. Phonemes are the smallest units of sound in a language that can distinguish meaning, encompassing both consonants and vowels; however, in the context of holding a note, it is the vowel sound that is relevant. The sustained nature and clarity of vowel sounds are what make them the foundation for operatic singing, emphasizing the importance of vowel sounds in vocal performance.