Why are women’s voices higher than men’s?

The answer is C. Generally, women have higher pitched voices than men because they have shorter and lighter vocal cords. Both girls' and boys' larynxes grow during puberty. In males, however, the larynx grows much larger which gives them deeper voices. The pitch of the voice depends on the frequency of vibration of the vocal cords, and this frequency of vibration depends on the length and tension of the cords.

While women's voices do have a characteristically higher pitch than men's, this can vary to a certain extent. Our vocal chords and larynx, along with the mouth and lips, form a long tube similar to that of a wind instrument in which the length of the tube affects the pitch of the sound produced. A set of muscles makes the opening of the vocal cords expand and contract to let air pass through and make the cords vibrate. The size of this opening changes the pitch of the sound.

Resources:

Why do boys' voices change during puberty?

More about the larynx and Adam's Apple.

Why our voices change if we inhale helium...

June 28, 2003