Which of the following represents a characteristic effect of resonance?

The characteristic effect of resonance is best represented by the amplification of sound. Resonance occurs when an object or a system is driven by another vibrating system at a frequency that matches its natural frequency. This matching leads to an increase in amplitude, which results in a pronounced amplification of sound. In practical applications, resonance can enhance certain frequencies, making them significantly louder, which is why musical instruments and other sound-producing devices often utilize resonance to enhance their output.

In the context of the other options, while reduction, distortion, and absorption of sound can occur in different acoustic situations or through specific materials and configurations, they do not directly describe the amplification associated with resonance. The nature of resonance is specifically linked to the constructive interference of waves, leading to stronger sound rather than any form of reduction or distortion.