Here's why:
* Short vowel sounds are typically found in closed syllables, which means the vowel sound is followed by a consonant. In "cake," the vowel "a" is followed by the consonant "k."
* Long vowel sounds are usually found in open syllables, where the vowel sound is at the end of the syllable or followed by a vowel.
The "a" in "cake" makes a short "a" sound, like the "a" in "cat," "hat," or "man."