Two articulators are brought near each other such that the flow of air is impeded but not completely blocked.

• A. Stops
• B. Fricatives
• C. Affricates
• D. Nasals

Answer: (B)

The situation describes a narrow constriction through which air passes, creating turbulence as it flows. That turbulent, friction-heavy sound is the defining feature of fricatives. Because the airflow is impeded but not completely blocked, you get a continuous, hissy or buzzing noise rather than a burst of air. This is different from stops, where the airflow is fully blocked and released in a quick burst; and from affricates, which start with a stop closure and then release into friction; and from nasals, where the mouth is closed off and air is directed through the nasal cavity. So the description best matches fricatives, like f, s, v, z, and so on.