Which manner of articulation involves a blockage in the mouth with a puff of air?

The manner of articulation that involves a blockage in the mouth with a puff of air is known as a stop or plosive. This occurs when the airflow is completely blocked at some point in the vocal tract, creating a buildup of air pressure behind the point of closure. When the blockage is released, the built-up air escapes, resulting in a strong burst of sound.

This type of articulation is characteristic of sounds such as "p," "t," and "k." These sounds are produced by entirely stopping the airflow and then suddenly releasing it, which is why they are classified as stops or plosives. The resulting sound is typically explosive, providing the distinct quality that differentiates it from other types of sounds, such as fricatives or nasals, where airflow is continuous or partially obstructed, respectively.