Why do the finger holes on a flute control its pitch?

The finger holes on a Flute control its pitch by changing the length of the air column inside the instrument. When a player covers or uncovers these holes, it alters the effective length of the flute, thus modifying the pitch of the sound produced. By covering more holes, the air column becomes longer, resulting in lower pitches, while uncovering holes shortens the air column, leading to higher pitches. This adjustment allows flutists to produce a wide range of notes and dynamics.