Question

In old western movies, cowboys often put their ear to a train track to listen for an oncoming train. What benefit would this method provide over listening for a train by listening for sound through the air?
Responses
A The sound would be louder.The sound would be louder.
B The sound would be undistorted.The sound would be undistorted.
C The sound would reach him sooner.The sound would reach him sooner.
D The sound would be higher in frequency.The sound would be higher in frequency.

Answer 1

C

Sound travels much faster and with less attenuation along the steel rail than through air, so the vibrations from a distant train arrive sooner (and can be heard from farther away) when you listen via the rail.