What distinguishes chordophones from aerophones?

Chordophones are classified based on their primary method of sound production, which involves vibrating strings. Instruments such as violins, guitars, and harps fall under this category because their sound is generated when the strings are plucked, bowed, or struck. In contrast, aerophones produce sound through vibrating air. This includes instruments like flutes, trumpets, and saxophones, where air is blown into or across the instrument to create sound.

The distinction highlighted in this context is fundamental to understanding how different types of instruments function in music. Chordophones rely exclusively on the vibration of strings, while aerophones depend on air vibrations. This clear difference in the sound production mechanism makes option C the correct choice, effectively summarizing the key characteristics that set these two categories of musical instruments apart.