What is the effect of increasing the mass of the vocal folds on fundamental frequency?

Increasing the mass of the vocal folds typically leads to a decrease in fundamental frequency. When the mass of the vocal folds increases, they vibrate at a slower rate, resulting in a lower pitch of the voice. This relationship is rooted in the physical properties of sound production, where heavier and thicker vocal folds require more force to facilitate faster vibrations. Thus, when mass increases, the vocal folds are less able to vibrate quickly, leading to a reduction in the frequency of the sound produced. This is consistent with the principles of mass and stiffness in acoustics, where increased mass tends to lower pitch.