What characterizes percussion idiophones?

Percussion idiophones are characterized by producing sound when they are struck, scraped, or shaken, without the need for strings or membranes. This definition aligns closely with the choice indicating that these instruments produce sound by being struck by mallets. In idiophones, the material of the instrument itself vibrates to create sound, distinguishing them from other categories of percussion instruments where sound may be generated through different mechanisms, such as membranes (like drums) or blowing (like wind instruments).

The ability to produce sound solely through the impact on the instrument allows a wide variety of instruments within this category, including cymbals, marimbas, and xylophones, all of which exemplify the fundamental nature of idiophones. These instruments do not require any external components or auxiliary sound sources; their design and material properties dictate their sound production. This feature is what makes the choice about striking the instruments by mallets the correct characterization of percussion idiophones.