Which of the following is NOT an example of a percussion instrument?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the instrument that is NOT a percussion instrument. So we need to find the one that makes sound in a different way.

Step 2: Explain the concept A percussion instrument produces sound when it is struck, hit, shaken, or scraped. The vibrating part may be a stretched skin, a metal body, or a wooden bar.

A wind instrument produces sound when air is blown into it, causing the air column inside to vibrate.

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Bell: Struck by a clapper or hammer, so it is percussion.
• B. Drum: The stretched membrane is struck, so it is percussion.
• C. Flute: Air is blown across or into it, setting the air column vibrating. It is a wind instrument (an open pipe), so it is NOT percussion.
• D. Gong: A metal disc that is struck, so it is percussion.
• E. Xylophone: Wooden or metal bars are struck with mallets, so it is percussion.

Step 4: Answer The flute is the only instrument that works by vibrating air blown into it, not by being struck. The correct option is C.

Exam tip: Think of the action used to play the instrument.

• Hit it → percussion (drum, bell, gong, xylophone)
• Blow it → wind (flute, trumpet)
• Pluck or bow it → string (guitar, violin)

Questions on this topic in Physics (sound) often test this classification, so remember these three groups.