How does added weight on the vocal folds affect voice production?

The addition of weight on the vocal folds leads to a lower pitch because it alters the mass and tension of the vocal cords. When the vocal folds are heavier, they vibrate more slowly and require more force to be set into motion. This decrease in frequency of vibration translates to a lower pitch in the produced sound. Essentially, heavier vocal folds have a more substantial mass, which deepens the sound created during phonation, resulting in a lower fundamental frequency. This principle reflects the relationship between mass, tension, and pitch in voice production, underscoring how physical properties of the vocal folds directly influence vocal characteristics.