What type of cadence ends on a V chord without resolving to the tonic?

A half cadence is characterized by concluding on the dominant chord, often represented as the V chord, which creates a sense of pause or incomplete resolution. This cadence leaves the listener anticipating a continuation or resolution that does not occur, as it does not move to the tonic chord following the V. The effect of a half cadence is to create tension and maintain interest in the harmonic progression by delaying the final resolution.

In contrast, a perfect authentic cadence requires a movement from the V chord to the tonic, providing a strong sense of closure. An imperfect authentic cadence similarly leads from the V to the tonic but may involve inversions or variations, still resultantly resolving to the tonic. A plagal cadence, often referred to as the "Amen" cadence, moves from the IV chord to the I chord, which also does not align with the characteristics of a half cadence.

Thus, the identification of a half cadence as the answer accurately reflects its unique function in music theory, specifically its ending on a dominant chord without resolution to the tonic.