Here's why:
* Short vowel sounds are typically found in words with one syllable and a closed syllable structure (consonant-vowel-consonant). In "hand", the vowel sound is short and quick.
* Long vowel sounds usually occur when a vowel is followed by a silent "e" or another vowel, or when the vowel is in a stressed open syllable.
Let me know if you'd like to explore more examples of short and long vowel words!